About Château Palmer
Palmer takes its name from Charles Palmer, a British major-general who bought the estate in 1814. It was ranked a third growth in 1855 and has long outperformed that position, sitting beside Château Margaux on the same gravel and matching it in several vintages. What sets Palmer apart is the blend: Merlot usually makes up close to half the wine, far more than is typical this far into the Médoc, giving a texture that is plush where its neighbors are firm. The estate is owned jointly by the Mähler-Besse and Sichel families and has been farmed biodynamically since 2014. Alter Ego de Palmer is the second wine.
Margaux is the most aromatic of the Médoc communes. Our Margaux Wines and Bordeaux Wines pages cover the neighboring châteaux, and Merlot follows the grape further afield.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Palmer use so much Merlot?
The estate's parcels include clay-rich sections where Merlot ripens better than Cabernet Sauvignon, and successive winemakers have leaned into it. The result has more flesh and earlier appeal than most classed growth Margaux without giving up structure.
What is Palmer's Historical XIXth Century Wine?
A blend of Palmer's Margaux fruit with Syrah from the northern Rhône, recreating the nineteenth-century practice of hermitaging claret. Because the blend is not legal under the appellation it is released as a Vin de France, in very small quantity.
Is Palmer biodynamic?
Yes. The whole estate has been farmed biodynamically since 2014, making it one of the largest classed growths in Bordeaux to commit to it.
How long does Palmer age?
Twelve to fifteen years for strong vintages, holding for forty. The 1961 is among the most celebrated bottles of the last century and still shows well.