1990 Margaux, Château Palmer
About Producer
Taking its name from the English general Charles Palmer who owned it from 1814 to 1843, this 55ha estate undeniably produces one of the most compelling wines of Margaux, thanks to a very competent winemaking team led by the talented Thomas Duroux since 2004. Punching well above its third-growth weight, Palmer is second only to Château Margaux in its appellation, and vintages produced over the last 25 years have firmly consolidated its standing among Médoc the top elite. Since 2018, Palmer has been converted into biodynamic viticulture.
Varietals
Blend of 37% merlot, 54% cabernet sauvignon, 7% cabernet franc and 2% petit verdot.
About Appellation
Located at 25km north of the city of Bordeaux, Margaux AOC includes the communes of Arsac, Labarde, Margaux-Cantenac and Soussans. Though vines have been planted here since the Gallo-Roman era, viticulture got boosted in the 17th century, after King Louis XIII commissioned Dutch engineers to drain the swamps and marshlands around the Gironde estuary. The vineyards cover 1,530ha and sit on a silt and gravel plateau on limestone and some clay subsoil. Carmenère and malbec which are permitted for wines of the appellation have been dropped out, and the current predominant varietals are cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc and petit verdot. There are 21 grands crus classés in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, the most famous being first growth Château Margaux.
Tasting Notes
Enticing nose of red and black berry fruits, spice box, woodsmoke, cedar and floral scents, seamless mouthfeel with cashmere-like texture, excellent focus and great purity, multilayered flavours of black currant, red cherry, cinnamon, liquorice intermixed with tertiary notes of forest floor, truffle and tobacco leaf, beguiling freshness and resolved tannins carrying through a long, savoury finish. This is a voluptuous, stylish wine with amazing balance, alluring finesse and impeccable precision. Though not having the grandeur of the glorious wines produced by this estate since 2000, it’s classy, succulent and has aged remarkably well, thereby bearing witness to the outstanding quality of its terroir. I particularly love the subtle complexity emerging from the suave palate that adds a thrilling overlay to the aftertaste. (01/2022)