2023 Château Palmer Historical XIXth Century Wine (LOT 20.23)

In the 19th century, it was common practice at the time to "Hermitage" wines. Bordeaux châteaux would add a certain amount of wine from the Rhône to their wines—particularly from the Hermitage region—of which the Syrah would enhance the structure and power of the Claret. In the 21st century, Château Palmer came up with the idea to revive this forgotten tradition. The goal is to create a unique wine, a combination of wine from Palmer and a small proportion of a great wine from the northern Côtes du Rhône.

Winery

Château Palmer ranks among the absolute elite of Margaux and is known for its distinctive style and independent vision. The estate has been working biodynamically for years and consciously chooses precision and balance over power. Under the leadership of director Thomas Duroux, new perspectives are continuously sought, without losing sight of the château's identity. The Historical XIXth Century Wine cuvée is a prime example of this: a project where history, experimentation, and terroir come together. You can find more information about the winery in the 'Winery' tab.

Origin and terroir

This wine falls outside the classic appellations and is therefore released as Vin de France. The base comes from the best plots of Château Palmer in Margaux, where gravelly soils provide finesse, structure, and aromatic precision. What makes this wine special is the addition of Syrah from the northern Rhône. This combination brings together two iconic French terroirs in one wine, in which both Atlantic and continental influences play a role.

Grapes and vineyard management

The blend of L.20.23 consists of 42% Merlot, 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, and 7% Syrah from the Northern Rhône. The grapes from Margaux come from carefully selected plots within the estate, where low yields are used to maintain concentration and balance. The Syrah is selected annually during visits to the Rhône, choosing only the most suitable barrels to enhance the whole without dominating.

Vinification and aging

The vinification follows the classic Château Palmer method, with meticulous selection and gentle extraction. The aging is remarkably long, totaling 27 months. First, the wine ages for 10 months in French oak barriques, followed by 17 months in large 30-hectoliter wooden vats. This combination ensures a slow integration of tannins and aromas, whereby the structure refines and complexity increases.

Color, smell and taste

Deep ruby ​​red in the glass. On the nose, the wine opens with blackcurrants, violets, and subtle spiciness. The influence of the Syrah adds notes of pepper, floral accents, and a hint of truffle. On the palate, the wine is layered and precise, with ripe tannins and a fine structure. Dark fruit, spices, and a light earthy note provide tension and depth. The finish is long, with a combination of freshness and ripeness. This edition comes in a wooden box OWC/1.

Style and character

This wine moves between Bordeaux and Rhône, without fitting entirely into a single style. The structure and finesse of Margaux form the foundation, while the Syrah provides extra aromatic intensity and spiciness. The result is a wine with tension, complexity, and a unique signature. Not a classic Bordeaux, but not a Rhône either. It is precisely this combination that makes this wine interesting and distinctive.

Volume

The 2023 vintage revolves around balance and aging. According to Thomas Duroux, this is a wine shaped primarily by time, where long aging was essential to allow the interplay between the grape varieties to come into its own. The result is a harmonious wine in which the various components are fully integrated. The combination of Bordeaux and Rhône comes together particularly well here, with a balance between power, freshness, and elegance.

Food and wine pairings

This wine calls for dishes with depth. Think of herb-infused lamb, game dishes, or slow-cooked beef. The wine also comes into its own with dishes containing mushrooms or truffles. Additionally, its spiciness and structure make it suitable for rich vegetarian dishes with roasted vegetables or lentils.

Wine & Food and Discount

If available, you will find the official factsheet and additional information about this fine wine in the 'Attachments' tab. We will automatically send these to you upon ordering this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you come to collect the wine, you will often receive a nice discount. You will see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht, situated almost next to the A16 with ample parking. Click here for our address.

You can read full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the ideal wine for your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grandcruwijnen customers. In the Food tab, you will find advice on what to look for for the right food and wine pairing, and a number of dish suggestions from our Sommelier.

See the beautiful presentation about the Château Palmer Historical 19th Century Wine under the tab: Attachment. We will automatically send this to you upon ordering this wine.