Château Palmer

"Knowing your terroir, your grapes, and your wines – this is a threefold enterprise of patient observation. What seems to be a given is in fact a matter of exacting standards at every moment. To know the terroir you have to become intimately familiar with it."

Château Palmer is a Third Growth Bordeaux house in the Margaux region known for its forward-thinking practices, imaginative culture and world class wines. Named after the reputable General Palmer of the British Army, Palmer is now owned by a group of Bordelais negociants. Year after year, Palmer invites musicians to pair their music with the wines, holding private concerts and parties with the likes of famous jazz pianist Jacky Terrasson and Yaron Herman. Palmer associates their wine with jazz, soul, and a good time.

At 11,000 cases per annum, the Palmer label is the “big brother” to a wine they made to be friendlier and more fun (directed to) the younger drinkers. Alter Ego is made from equally reputable fruit, but with different cellaring techniques. In regards to both labels, Palmer states, “Not one of our gestures is insignificant. They are all guided by a vision of the mind. For if character comes from the terroir and personality from climatic conditions, excellence is the work of human beings.” The wines have longevity- known to age up to 100 years. Stylistically the Palmer is what you would expect; tannic and big, and Alter Ago is more fruit forward and friendly. Vintages to look out for include 1899, 1907, 1921, 1928, 1934, 1983, 1985, 1988, 1999, 1990, 1996 and 1997.