France · Margaux

Château Palmer

Château Palmer is the most famous overperformer in Bordeaux — a Third Growth in the 1855 Classification that consistently commands prices matching or exceeding the First Growths. The estate farms 55 hectares in the Cantenac area of the Margaux appellation, with a notably high proportion of Merlot (approximately 47%) for a Médoc estate, giving its wines a roundness and accessibility that complements the appellation's characteristic Cabernet Sauvignon perfume. The château itself, with its distinctive English, French, and Dutch flags flying outside (reflecting its ownership history), is one of the Médoc's most picturesque buildings. The estate is jointly owned by the Sichel and Mähler-Besse families, a partnership that has proved remarkably stable and productive. Thomas Duroux joined as director in 2004 and has overseen the estate's recent quality renaissance, converting it to organic and biodynamic farming. The introduction of Alter Ego de Palmer as a second wine in 1998 — positioned explicitly as a complement to the grand vin rather than merely a declassified selection — demonstrated the estate's commitment to maintaining the grand vin's quality standards. The 1961 Palmer is considered by many critics the greatest wine ever produced in Margaux and arguably the greatest overperformance of the 1855 Classification: in a year when Château Margaux itself was merely good, Palmer was extraordinary. Parker gave it 100 points on multiple occasions. Individual bottles have achieved $1,500–$4,000 at auction. The 2009 Palmer is considered the greatest modern vintage and has achieved similar cult status.