Awards/Ratings

Major scores: Vinous (Neal Martin) 100; Antonio Galloni 100; Decanter 100; Wine Enthusiast 99; Jeb Dunnuck 99; Wine Advocate (LPB) 98; Wine Spectator 98; James Suckling 98

Tasting Note

Powerful, concentrated Margaux: blackcurrant, black cherry, violet, dark chocolate, espresso and exotic spice. Plush yet firm tannins, bright acidity and a very long, perfumed finish.

Food Pairing

Western: roast lamb, beef Wellington, braised short ribs, mushroom risotto, aged hard cheeses. Asian: Peking duck, Cantonese roast pork (char siu), Korean BBQ short ribs, miso-glazed eggplant or soy-braised beef.

Production Method

Hand-harvested, plot-by-plot fermentation; no SO2 until after malolactic; aged ~21 months in French oak (≈70% new) using small barrels and larger Stockinger casks; bottled July 2020.

Vineyard Info

Château Palmer (founded 1814) is a 55ha Margaux estate owned by the Sichel and Mähler-Besse families since 1938. Known for refined, perfumed grands vins and biodynamic-influenced viticulture under director Thomas Duroux.