Chateau Palmer 2011

An iconic Margaux vintage, its character and power magnified by time

The property

The Château Palmer is a true star of the Margaux appellation, on the left bank of the Bordeaux region. With a start in biodynamics in 2009, Château Palmer chose to convert the entire vineyard from 2014. After building its legend on mythical vintages, Château Palmer continues to write its history under the direction of the talented Thomas Duroux.

The vineyard

Benefiting from an exceptional terroir located in the immediate vicinity of the Gironde estuary, Château Palmer has an unusual grape variety in Médoc, giving pride of place to Merlot (47%), which is alongside Cabernet Sauvignon in equal proportions (47%) associated with Petit Verdot (6%).

The wine

"I never drink the Grands Crus Classés that make up the majority of my cellar before they are ten years old. It's a principle." (Émile Peynaud). This quote from the illustrious father of modern oenology provides a major reference point regarding the most opportune time to taste a Grand Cru from Bordeaux.

Since 2010, half of Château Palmer's production has been carefully stored in the property's cellars. Over the years, these great wines from the Margaux appellation patiently develop their character and aromatic palette.

With its 10 Years On collection, Château Palmer creates an appointment for all lovers of great Bordeaux wines. Every fourth Thursday of September will indeed be the market launch of the vintage N-10 of the Grand Vin from this illustrious Margaux property.

In constant search for innovation, Château Palmer adorns its bottles with a QR code offering an immersive journey into the life cycle of the vintage and the unique universe of Palmer.

The vintage

The earliest vintage of the 2000s, 2011 began with a particularly hot and dry spring promoting very advanced bud break and flowering from May 10. Accentuated by low rainfall, water stress resulted in some coulure on the oldest Merlot plots. The hailstorm of June 4th strongly impacted the vineyard and its quantitative potential. This was followed by a very dry period until July 14th, which again reduced yields. The drop in temperatures from mid-July combined with beneficial rains allowed the vineyard to continue to develop. The veraison took place under very good conditions. From the end of August, very clement conditions were recorded, including during the harvest which began on September 7th with the earliest Merlots.

Despite low yields, this 2011 vintage gives birth to a wine whose frank acidity mixed with concentrated and very precise tannins are the guarantee of an exceptional aging potential.

Vinification and aging

Fermentation is carried out with spontaneous yeasts. Extractions are very gentle in order to preserve the delicacy of the tannins. The aging in barrels, 50% of which are new, lasts 21 months.

Blend

Merlot (55%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (45%).

Characteristics and tasting advice for Château Palmer 2011

Tasting

Nose
Powerful and complex, the nose combines fragrances of spices, pepper and black fruits with notes of precious wood, elderberry and cedar.

Palate
Ample and structured, the palate seduces with its beautiful acidity, precise tannins and the velvety texture that marks the unique style of the property. Persistent, the finish reveals exceptional freshness for such a young wine.

Storage

Accessible today, this Château Palmer 2011 can be kept in the cellar until 2045-2050.