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 2019 Chateau Palmer from Margaux, Bordeaux is a wine that exudes elegance, power, and complexity. With a rich and darkly fruited profile, this red Bordeaux blend is a true masterpiece.

On the nose, one is immediately captivated by the intense aromas of milk chocolate, violets, and black cherries. These enticing scents are supported by fine-grained and velvety tannins that coat the mouth in a luxurious fashion. The wine's careful construction is evident, with a balanced acidity providing brightness and lift to the overall experience.

The concentration and density of flavors in this wine are truly remarkable. Layers of black chocolate, black cherries, cocoa powder, and cooling minerality dance on the palate. Each flavor is pure and well-defined, showcasing the exceptional quality of the grapes and the winemaking process. The wine is excellently framed and well-packaged, displaying energy and verve.

Notable wine critics have unanimously praised the 2019 Chateau Palmer. Decanter awarded it an impressive score of 97 points, highlighting its serious and dark character and its exceptional aging potential. James Suckling gave it an even higher score of 99 points, emphasizing the wine's sweet tobacco, stone, and brambleberry notes, as well as its powerful yet agile structure.

Jane Anson also praised this vintage, noting its rich black cherries, damson fruit, and elegant tannic structure. Wine Spectator awarded it 94 points, describing the powerful fruit flavors, graphite edge, and solid structure of the wine. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave it 96+ points, commending its rich and dramatic profile, lively fruit, and enveloping core.

With such accolades from renowned critics, it is clear that the 2019 Chateau Palmer is a wine of exceptional quality. It is a true representation of the contemporary Palmer style, crafted with precision and passion by winemaker Thomas Duroux and his team.

This wine is still in its youth and will benefit from several years of bottle aging to soften and develop further. However, for those eager to experience its splendor now, it already offers immense pleasure. Whether enjoyed in the near future or cellared for decades, the 2019 Chateau Palmer is undoubtedly a wine to savor and cherish.