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 2017 Chateau Palmer from Bordeaux, France is a remarkable wine that showcases the artistry and expertise of the renowned Chateau Palmer estate. This red wine, made from a Bordeaux Blend of 54% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 4% Petit Verdot, is a true representation of the Margaux region.

In the glass, the wine displays a deep garnet-purple color, hinting at its intensity and concentration. The nose is immediately captivated by pronounced aromas of blackcurrant cordial, warm plums, and blackberry preserves. Subtle hints of cedar chest, pencil shavings, violets, dark chocolate, and star anise add layers of complexity to the aromatic profile. As the wine opens up, exotic wafts of sandalwood and cassia further enhance the sensory experience.

On the palate, the 2017 Palmer is beautifully powerful and precise, showcasing great depth and character. Despite its austerity, which has become more evident since its release, the wine still exhibits a remarkable sense of fruit expression. The tannins are finely boned, providing strength in numbers and ensuring a long aging potential. With a medium body and a firm texture of ripe, grainy tannins, the wine offers a fantastic balance between vibrancy and structure.

Notable wine experts have praised the 2017 Chateau Palmer for its exceptional quality. Decanter awarded it a score of 97 points, describing it as a precise and intellectual Palmer with a sense of place and a purity to the fruit expression. Vinous also awarded it 96+ points, highlighting its freshness, vibrancy, and potential for further development with bottle aging. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it 97+ points, emphasizing its fantastic vibrancy, crunchy black fruits, and long, mineral-laced finish.

As with many great Bordeaux wines, the 2017 Chateau Palmer will benefit from several years of cellaring to allow its tightly wound nuances to fully blossom. However, for those who can't resist the temptation, it can be enjoyed now with aeration and will continue to evolve and provide pleasure for at least 25-30 years or more.

In conclusion, the 2017 Chateau Palmer is a wine of exceptional quality and elegance. With its powerful yet precise character, it represents the best of what Margaux has to offer. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, this wine is a true gem that will impress even the most discerning wine connoisseurs.