Château Palmer 10 Years On 2016

Characteristics and Tasting Notes of Château Palmer 10 Years On 2016

Tasting

This wine seduces with its singular balance and velvety tannic structure, which remains the inimitable signature of Château Palmer.

The unctuousness and precision of a great Margaux wine

The estate

Château Palmer Château Palmer stands as an iconic figure of the Margaux appellation, on the left bank of Bordeaux. Committed to biodynamics since 2009, the estate completed the full conversion of its vineyard in 2014. Having built its renown on vintages that have become legendary, the estate continues its journey under the inspired direction of Thomas Duroux.

The vineyard

An essential name among the great Margaux wines, Château Palmer benefits from an exceptional terroir, close to the Gironde estuary. Its distinctiveness lies in a grape variety composition unusual for the Médoc: Merlot holds as much space as Cabernet Sauvignon, both complemented by a touch of Petit Verdot.

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 maxim from the father of modern oenology sets the ideal benchmark for appreciating a Bordeaux Grand Cru. Since 2010, Château Palmer has set aside half of its production in its own cellars. It is over the years that these Margaux wines fully express their personality and aromatic range. With the “10 Years On” collection, the estate creates an appointment for all lovers of great Bordeaux wines: every fourth Thursday of September, the N-10 vintage of the Grand Vin is released to market. Ever in search of innovation, Château Palmer includes a QR code on its bottles, inviting an immersive journey through the vintage's life cycle and the estate's unique world.

The vintage

Despite unpredictable weather — a mild winter, a rainy spring conducive to mildew, and a mild summer — and one of the latest harvests in the estate's history (October 3), the 2016 vintage stands out as exceptional. Thanks to the unwavering dedication of the winemakers and a successful flowering, the grapes developed remarkable aromatic intensity, with powerful and perfectly ripe tannins. 

Winemaking and ageing

The harvest took place from October 3 to 18. Aged for 22 months in barrels, with 60% new oak. This Ten Years On 2016 edition is released after 10 years of cellaring at the estate.

Blend

Merlot (47%), Cabernet Sauvignon (47%) and Petit Verdot (6%).