Fine Wine For The Weekend – Château Palmer 1989 Margaux, 3ème Cru Classé

Chateau Palmer is perhaps one of the greatest wines, However it is rather an unsung hero compared to the likes of Petrus, Rothschild and Lafite.

Chateau Palmer’s origins can be traced back to when a Major General Charles Palmer (from which the estate takes it’s name) brought the estate from the Gascq family in 1814. He was a man known as well for his female conquests as his military victories. He invested a huge amount of his time, energy and money to develop the estate. He himself though mainly lived in England and left the running of the estate to a bordeaux wine dealer and his estate manager. Palmer undertook in getting high society to appreciate his wine, and even King George IV was said to be a fan. It quickly adopted the affectionate name ‘Palmer’s Claret’.

Today Chateau Palmer is appreciated worldwide, and is a wine that screams finesse and elegance. It is characterized by it’s softness and refinement of silk, with the warmth of velvet. It has an extraordinary complexity with it’s unusual combination of grape varieties, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and a small amount of Petit Verdot. The notes are ones of fruit, flowers and spice, and yet the tannins is restrained. All of these make it a beautiful and exemplary wine to drink.

The 1989 vintages produced some of the most exceptional wines of the century, and some say better than the 1982 vintages. This was due to a hot year with a little welcomed rain. The 1982 vintages are described as powerful, rich and full bodied, yet supple.

This wine is available from majestic and is priced at £395. majestic.com

Become a Gentleman’s Journal Member?

Like the Gentleman’s Journal? Why not join the Clubhouse, a special kind of private club where members receive offers and experiences from hand-picked, premium brands. You will also receive invites to exclusive events, the quarterly print magazine delivered directly to your door and your own membership card.

Click here to find out more