Palmer Historical XIXth Century Wine L.20.23 2023 Chateau Palmer

Tasting Note

Aromas of black currant and rich plum intertwine with notes of black pepper and violet. This peppery aroma comes from the Syrah grape variety. This enriches the assemblage by adding complexity, smooth tannins, and notes of undergrowth or black truffle. On the palate, the tannins are both delicate and dense, enveloping the mouth without causing a sensation of dryness. Merlot lends the wine body in the mid-palate, while Cabernet Sauvignon provides its structure. The finish is long, with pleasant depth and mineral notes reminiscent of iron. The wine is still far from its peak of maturity; it needs time to age.

Grape Varieties

Palmer’s “Historic Cuvée” consists of approximately 85% Bordeaux blend (primarily Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot) and 15% Syrah from the Rhône Valley. This is precisely what defines this wine. Cabernet Sauvignon, grown on gravelly soils, forms the wine’s backbone, Merlot enriches its mid-palate, and Syrah, in addition to notes of pepper and violet, brings a smoky nuance that you won’t find in any bottle of AOC Margaux. This is precisely why this wine transcends the boundaries of its appellation.

Cellaring Potential

Best enjoyed between 2028 and 2044. It will take at least five years for the Cabernet Sauvignon’s tannins and the concentration characteristic of the warm 2023 vintage to mellow. Store the wine horizontally at a temperature of 12–14 °C and at a stable humidity level. It is expected that after 10 years, as the wine matures, the aromas of pepper and violets will give way to notes of leather and tobacco.

The Producer

Château Palmer is located in Cantenac, and although it was classified as a Third Growth in the 1855 classification, it has always been sold at prices typical of “Deuxièmes Crus” wines. The chateau is currently owned by the Mähler-Besse and Sichel families. Since 2008, the vineyards have transitioned to biodynamic farming, which is now practiced across all plots. The “Historical XIX Century” cuvée debuted in 2004 and shattered all established notions about Margaux, presenting a blend of Bordeaux wine with the addition of Syrah.

Terroir & Climate

Palmer’s vineyards are situated on a deep layer of Günzian gravel deposited on limestone and marl; this is the finest-grained and most gravelly soil in the Médoc. This layer of gravel promotes deep root penetration and good drainage, allowing the Cabernet Sauvignon grown on this soil to express not jammy fruit notes, but aromas of black currant and cedar. The mouth of the Gironde River moderates temperature fluctuations and extends the ripening period into the fall. Since the Shiraz used in “Historical” is grown not in Margaux (according to AOC regulations, the use of Syrah in Margaux is prohibited) but in the Rhône Valley, this wine is labeled as “Vin de France.”

Winemaking

At Château Palmer, fermentation is carried out separately for each plot in 42 stainless-steel tanks, which were modernized in 1995. It is precisely this plot-by-plot approach that makes the creation of “Historical” possible. In February, after the harvest, the team tastes all the batches and decides which ones will go into “Grand Vin,” which into “Alter Ego,” and which will be included in this cuvée along with Syrah from the Rhône. Aging takes place in oak barrels, 30% of which are new, for 18 months. The oak aroma is pronounced enough to give the wine structure, yet it does not overpower the peppery aroma characteristic of Syrah.

Food Pairing

The peppery aroma characteristic of the Syrah variety in this wine, combined with the Cabernet’s tannins, pairs perfectly with flavorful grilled dishes featuring fatty meats. Recommended pairings:

• Côte de bœuf, cooked “rare,” with a shallot and bone marrow sauce
• Roast lamb with rosemary and garlic
• Duck breast (medium-rare) with a black pepper crust
• Aged Comté or Mimolette cheese

Serve at 16–18 °C. For the 2023 vintage, decant the wine 2 hours before serving; if you open the bottle before 2028, let the wine rest in the decanter longer.