Chateau Palmer, classified a Third Growth Bordeaux, is in the commune of Cantenac, the heart of the Margaux appellation.

The Palmer vineyards, originally part of the larger estate of Chateau d’Issan, cover 66 hectares of gravelly soil on terraces overlooking the Garonne River. There are equal amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (47% each). The remainder is Petit Verdot. From 2014 forward, the entire property has been farmed biodynamically.

Chateau Palmer is named after Major General Charles Palmer of the British Army, who bought the estate in 1814 from Marie de Gascq. A passionate man, he invested a great deal of time, energy and money to develop his property, purchasing land and buildings in the communes of Cantenac, Issan, and Margaux, and by the 1830s, his property covered 163 hectares, 82 hectares of which were vineyards. “Palmer's Claret” quickly gained popularity in London clubs and even found favor in the eyes of the future King George IV.

Charles sold the estate in 1843. The current owners, the Sichel and Mahler-Besse families, have been in place since 1938. Their focus throughout has been on authenticity, quality and consistency.

Finesse and elegance, typical of the great wines of Margaux, are the trademarks of Chateau Palmer. The unusual combination of grape varieties for a classified Left Bank wine–as much Merlot as Cabernet Sauvignon and a small amount of Petit Verdot–gives Chateau Palmer a bouquet of extraordinary complexity, with fruit, flowers, and spice wrapped in a fleshy and generous structure. The subtle balance between aromatic richness and powerful, yet always restrained, tannins makes Palmer charming even when very young.

The grapes are fermented separately by variety and plot in 54 conical, stainless steel vats. The wine then ages 18 to 21 months in French oak barrels, less than 50% new.

The 1985 Chateau Palmer is a Bordeaux Blend red wine from the Margaux sub-region of Bordeaux, France. With its elegant label and deep red color, this wine immediately captures the attention of any wine enthusiast. Upon pouring, the aromas of black cherry and vanilla greet the nose, showcasing the wine's subtlety and sophistication.

On the palate, this wine is full-bodied with medium tannins that provide a pleasant structure. The flavors of juicy black cherry and vanilla continue to shine, accompanied by a touch of cedar and undergrowth notes. This wine is not overly complex, but it is beautifully balanced and focused, highlighting its classic Margaux style.

Several esteemed wine critics have praised the 1985 Chateau Palmer as a delightful and charming vintage. Wine Spectator awarded it a score of 91, noting its greatness in subtlety and fruity finish. Neal Martin's Wine Journal gave it a score of 90, describing it as a classic, reserved, and delightful wine with a linear style reminiscent of Saint Julien. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also gave it a score of 90, appreciating its bacon fat and savory bouquet, along with expressive Merlot flavors defining the finish. Jeff Leve awarded it a score of 90, highlighting its soft and seductive nature and fully matured profile.

The most recent review by Vinous gives the 1985 Chateau Palmer a score of 93, noting that it is a step up from the 1982 vintage and comparable to the 1983 vintage. This wine blossoms with brambly red fruit, thyme, rose petals, and hints of Earl Grey tea. It is fully mature but still offers substance and density, with fine acidity and a balanced finish that hints at tobacco and dark chocolate.

Overall, the 1985 Chateau Palmer is a wine that showcases the elegance and finesse of Margaux. While not the most complex wine of its vintage, it is undeniably charming and enjoyable, making it a perfect choice for any wine lover seeking a refined and sophisticated Bordeaux experience.