2017 Château Palmer Historical XIXth Century Wine

Château Palmer is a highly esteemed wine estate located in the Margaux appellation of Bordeaux, France. Classified as a Third Growth (Troisième Cru) in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, it consistently performs at a level many consider to be on par with the First Growths. The estate's history dates back to the 17th century, and it takes its name from Major General Charles Palmer, who acquired the property in 1814. Château Palmer is renowned for producing wines of exceptional elegance and complexity, with a distinctive blend that typically includes a higher proportion of Merlot than is common in the Médoc, alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.

The Margaux appellation is one of the most prestigious areas within Bordeaux's Left Bank. Margaux is the largest of the Médoc's communal appellations, known for producing some of the most elegant and perfumed wines in Bordeaux. The region benefits from its proximity to the Gironde estuary, which moderates temperatures and creates a suitable microclimate for viticulture. Margaux wines are typically characterized by their finesse, aromatic complexity, and silky tannins.

The terroir of Château Palmer is crucial to the quality and character of its wines. The estate's vineyards cover 66 hectares on a plateau of deep gravel beds mixed with clay and sand, typical of the best sites in Margaux. This well-draining soil forces the vines to grow deep root systems, contributing to the wine's complexity. The terroir is particularly suited to Merlot, which plays a more significant role in Palmer's blend compared to many other Left Bank estates. The combination of soil, climate, and grape varieties allows Palmer to produce wines with a unique balance of power and elegance, reflecting the estate's specific terroir within the broader Margaux appellation.