Château Palmer, Margaux, Jeroboam, 1990

Château Palmer is a very highly regarded third classed growth (troisièmes cru classé 1855) in the commune of Cantenac within the Margaux appellation which was established in 1814. Palmer has always been at the forefront of innovation both in the vineyard and winery which has been upgraded several times, the last occasion being in 2010. Its soil is composed of 16 different mixtures of gravel, sand and clay. The elegance of Château Palmer's wines has been attributed, at least in part, to the fact that whereas most Bordeaux estates plant the merlot vines in clay soils those at Palmer are planted in gravel types. The proportion of grape varieties planted is Merlot (47%), Cabernet Sauvignon (47%) and Petit Verdot (6%). In discussions amongst the wine trade this is a wine that is often considered to be a candidate for promotion to 1st growth status in any putative re-classification.

In 2009 renowned wine critic Robert Parker described the 1990 vintage of Ch. Palmer in the following terms:

"A complex bouquet of earth, blue and black fruits, licorice, incense, and spice box is followed by a round, silky, voluptuous wine..."

Two years later the Executive Wine Panel had this to say:

"Exuberant, generous nose has us riveted in our seats in awe. Scents recall ripe cherries and blackberries, candied citrus fruits (similar to mature Sauternes), violet, coffee, cedar, ginger, and mint. Equally wonderful in the mouth; smooth, mellow, and totally seductive. The 1990 has silky tannins and terrific mouth feel. The finish is extra long, exotic, with oriental spice at the end."

A rare chance to acquire a double magnum (jeroboam or 3 liters) of this superb wine.