Château Palmer 10 Years On 2012

An emblematic Margaux wine with character and power enhanced by the passing of time

The estate

Château Palmer is a real star of the Margaux appellation, on the left bank of the Bordeaux region. With biodynamic viticulture launched in 2009, Château Palmer chose to convert the entire vineyard in 2014. Having built its legacy on vintages that have become legendary, Château Palmer continues to write its history under the direction of the talented Thomas Duroux.

The vineyard

An essential reference among fine Margaux wines, Château Palmer benefits from an exceptional terroir located in the close vicinity to the Gironde estuary. Château Palmer has fairly unusual grape varieties for a Médoc estate, with Merlot given pride of place, supplemented by an equal portion of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.

The wine

"I never drink the Grands Crus Classés which form the majority of my cellar before ten years of age. It's a matter of principle." (Emile Peynaud). This quote, from the illustrious forefather of modern oenology, establishes when to relish a Bordeaux Grand Cru.

Château Palmer has been guarding half of its production in its cellars since 2010, thereby letting the passage of time shape the distinctive character of each of its fine wines. Indeed, it is over the years that these fine wines of the Margaux appellation patiently develop their character and their aromatic palette.

With its 10 Years On collection, Château Palmer creates a special and awaited event for all lovers of great Bordeaux wines. Every fourth Thursday of September, the N-10 vintage of the estate's Grand Vin is released.

In its constant quest for innovation, Château Palmer has added a QR code to its bottles, providing wine lovers with an immersive journey into the life cycle of the vintage and the unique world of Palmer.

The vintage

The cool, wet conditions at the beginning of the year led to a late budburst as well as run-off during flowering, particularly on the old Merlot vines. The summer was the hottest recorded since 2003. Despite lower yields than other vintages, the grapes boasted a high quality.

Vinification and ageing

2012 is the first vintage made in the new winery. The grapes, which come from 12 hectares of biodynamic vineyards, are sorted optically before being vinified by gravity flow. The wine is aged for 22 months in barrels, 60% of which are new.

The blend

Merlot (48%)

Cabernet Sauvignon (46%)

Petit Verdot (6%).

Château Palmer 10 Years On 2012: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Nose

The suave and deep nose gives off fruity notes (blueberry, blackberry) but also aromas of liquorice and incense.

Palate

The smooth and delicate palate harmoniously combines the power of the Merlot with the finesse and precision of the Cabernet. The freshness and vivacity of the palate resonates with the emblematic 2005 and 2009 vintages. The finish seduces with its tasty notes of eucalyptus.