Featured Winery: Chateau Palmer
The original Chateau built in 1856...
Chateau Palmer as seen from across the vineyard that separates it from its even more famous neighbor, Chateau Margaux...
I Its classic bottle, with a gold image of the Chateau emblazoned upon a black label, belies the quality of the wine within. Palmer wines have consistently received high accolades from wine critics. Renown wine critic Robert Parker thus described the 2007 Palmer; “aromas of incense, burning embers, black currants, plums, licorice and flowers are followed by a full-bodied Margaux with more weight and power even than its nearby first-growth rival, Chateau Margaux.” He rated the wine at 97 points. Parker gave the 2000 vintage 96 points and awarded 94 points to both the 2002 and 2004 vintages. Wine Spectator rated the 2005 vintage at 95 points, the 2000 at 97 points and the 2001 at 94 points. Palmer also produces a second wine known as Alter Ego.
The guide serves tastings at Chateau Palmer...
In 1853, Isaac and Emile Pereire, two wealthy French brothers, purchased the property and worked diligently to improve its reputation. In 1856 they built the splendid chateau that has come to represent the property and which today appears on the label. Again, financial disaster not of their making, the depression of the 1930s, led to their losing the property. In 1938, it was purchased by a consortium of four families, two of whom, the Sichel and Mahler-Besse families, continue to own the property today.
Me, at the Chateau with my souvenir book , in French...
Situated in the small hamlet of Margaux, just a stone’s throw away from the iconic Chateau Margaux, the lovely Chateau Palmer sits alongside French Highway D-2. The road is also known as the “Route des Chateaux” because it traverses through all the major appellations north of the city of Bordeaux, France; Margaux, St. Julian, Pauillac and St. Estephe.
The Estate has an interesting history. British general Charles Palmer purchased the vineyard in 1814 while trying to court a young French widow, Marie Gascq. Part of his efforts involved buying her wine estate. To his credit, the general was also truly interested in wine, and spent considerable funds improving both the quality of the vineyards and wine production. Eventually, he lost the property during an economic downturn. The Estate retains the Palmer name in his honor.
Despite its original designation as a third growth estate in the historical 1855 Bordeaux classification system, Chateau Palmer has achieved prominence as one the finest wines in the world, and in many vintages actually challenges its famous neighbor in wine quality. Traditionally made with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and a touch of Petit Verdot, the estate wines have consistent balance and complex flavors common to the finest wines produced in the region. In most vintages, the final blend utilizes at least forty percent Merlot, high for a left bank estate. Common bouquet nuances often include red fruit, flowers (such as violets), licorice and spices. The wines typically prove quite age-worthy, with better vintages not maturing for at least ten years and remaining excellent for more than forty years.
Chateau Palmer does require reservations for a tour. In the off-season the Estate does not have too many guests. I went on a sunny day in late October 2007, and there were only three of us on the entire tour. A youngish French woman conducted the visit in English. After a short walk around the wine making facilities and some discussion about Palmer’s history and wine production, we tasted generous portions of the 2001 Palmer and the 2004 Alter Ego. After hearing my abysmal efforts to speak French, the guide took pity and gave me a nice book about the Estate, noting that it was written in French and advising that I needed to practice my language skills by reading it. French women can be quite spirited...
She also noted that the actual Chateau, the famous one that appears on the label and sits beside the main highway, is not open to the public and that the interior has unfortunately fallen into a state of disrepair. I have heard that since my visit, they have taken steps to refurbish it. But I have no information about whether it remains closed to the public. From the outside, it certainly represents the quintessential example of a French wine country chateau.
If you enjoy Bordeaux wines, you should certainly treat yourself to a bottle of Chateau Palmer. And if you visit the area, I highly recommend a visit to the Estate.
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