CHATEAU PALMER 3eme Grand Cru Classe, Margaux 1996 Bottle
Red Still Wine | France | Bordeaux | Margaux | 75cl
£265.00 / £1,590.00 case
ABV: 12.5%
Size: 75cl
Closure Type: Cork
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-Region: Margaux
Wine Style: Full Bodied
Description
IN BRIEF
The 1996 Château Palmer has garnered mixed reviews, reflecting its struggle to reach its full potential. The Wine Advocate rated it 88-91 points, with Neal Martin noting satisfactory fruit intensity on the nose, exhibiting aromas of blackberry, truffle, and hints of vanilla and violet that develop with aeration. Despite its good grip and freshness, the palate feels somewhat backward, presenting a conservative and straight-laced character, particularly on the tobacco-infused finish. Vinous awarded it 89+ points, highlighting lower-toned aromas of boysenberry, mulberry, and roasted oak. However, it was described as vinous and tough on the palate, exhibiting a strong acidic spine. Overall, this vintage is still evolving and may offer greater complexity as it ages, with an optimal drinking window extending to 2030.
A Deeper Dive;
Château Palmer
Château Palmer is located in the commune of Cantenac, just a stone's throw from the village of Margaux. The estate encompasses 66 hectares of vines planted on a plateau composed of gravel, sand, and clay soils that overlook the Gironde estuary. The vineyard consists of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, each at 47%, with 6% dedicated to Petit Verdot. While the average vine age is around 40 years, typical for the region, some vines exceed 70 years, contributing to the wines’ notable richness and complexity, alongside a generous Merlot content and effective biodynamic practices.
Since 2004, the estate has been guided by the dynamic agronomist and oenologist Thomas Duroux, who previously honed his winemaking skills at Ornellaia in Tuscany. Thomas has implemented significant renovations, completely modernising the grape reception area alongside the vat rooms and barrel cellar. Under his direction, the technical team has also started experimenting with biodynamic farming practices, positioning Château Palmer as one of the forefront biodynamic vineyards in Bordeaux. The estate’s portfolio goes beyond its grand vin, including a unique cuvée Alter Ego.
Launched in 1998, Alter Ego is crafted from grapes grown on specific plots with a different blending approach compared to the grand vin. As a result, the estate considers it a distinctive cuvée rather than merely a second wine. Between 2008 and 2013, Château Palmer fully transitioned to biodynamic farming. Beyond the vineyards, the estate boasts a variety of complementary plants and grazing animals, contributing to its diverse ecosystem.
VINOUS- 89+ Points
"Full ruby-red. Lower-toned aromas of boysenberry, mulberry, plum, tobacco, star anise and roasted oak. Vinous and rather tough in the mouth, with strong acid spine. This was harder to view than most '96s on my recent tour. Finishes with rather tough tannins. In an awkward stage following the bottling last July."
THE WINE ADVOCATE - 88-91 Points
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Drink Date: 2016 - 2030
"Tasted at the Château Palmer vertical in London, the 1996 Château Palmer is a wine that never quite fulfilled its potential. There is satisfactory fruit intensity on the nose, blackberry and truffle, a touch of vanilla and violet developing with time in the glass. The palate still feels a little backward, but there is good grip and freshness. This is a harmonious 1996 Margaux and yet it feels conservative and straight-laced on the tobacco-infused finish. It is quite a "serious" Palmer, yet it does not quite back it up in terms of complexity or, for want of a better word, "soul." Good...but you end up wanting more, especially having tasted the likes of 2000, 2005 and 2010 alongside." Tasted May 2015.