Château Palmer 2021

A fine Margaux wine with an alluring freshness and smoothness

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 has chosen 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

Château Palmer 2021 is a Margaux wine made from an exceptional terroir located in the close proximity to the Gironde estuary. Château Palmer has fairly unusual grape varieties for a Médoc estate, with Merlot given pride of place (47%), supplemented by an equal portion of Cabernet Sauvignon (47%) and Petit Verdot (6%).

The vintage

A cold January preceded a mild and rainy month of February which then gave way to drier conditions that favoured an even budding of the vines. Although the spring frosts were controlled by the estate's teams, these conditions slowed down the growth of the vines. Flowering began at the end of May, two weeks later than in 2020. June was particularly hot and was punctuated by a strong storm which led to the development of a high level of mildew. The unstable weather conditions until August 15th led to a strong and significant plant growth, which could lead to a lack of concentration in the grapes. The dry conditions from the end of August/beginning of September helped to refine the ripening process. Despite low yields, the grapes harvested between September 24th and October 15th were healthy, ripe and revealed very fine tannins.

Vinification and ageing

Aged for 20 to 22 months in 225 litre barrels (50%) and 30 hl tuns (50%).

The blend

Merlot (56%)

Cabernet Sauvignon (41%)

Petit Verdot (3%).

Château Palmer 2021: Characteristics and tasting tips

The tasting

Due to its balance and freshness, this 2021 vintage is an invitation to travel back in time and to rediscover the identity of wines from the last century. A fine vintage marked by very supple tannins harmoniously blends with a smooth feel.