Château Palmer 2022

Nestled in the heart of the Margaux appellation, Château Palmer is a testament to the profound connection between nature, craftsmanship, and the potential for greatness. If a reclassification were ever in the cards, Château Palmer would undoubtedly be up for a promotion. This Third Growth Margaux estate transcends its ranking from 1855, earning the admiration of wine critics worldwide and deserving a place among the higher ranks.

The wines of Château Palmer, sensationally fragrant and richly complex, represent some of the finest examples of Bordeaux's winemaking mastery. Their grand vin, a true marvel, captivates with its mesmerizing aromas and multi-layered flavors that evolve with each sip. But their second label, Alter Ego, has achieved a cult-like following. If a new classification were to occur, Alter Ego would effortlessly claim a position as a Fourth Growth wine or higher. Wine enthusiasts eagerly seek out Alter Ego, which embodies the same dedication to quality and artistry that defines Château Palmer.

The history of Château Palmer stretches far beyond its namesake. Originally part of Château d’Issan, the vineyards caught the attention of the visionary Madame de Gascq. Recognizing their immense potential, she boldly proclaimed that the wines rivaled those of the esteemed First Growth properties in the Médoc. Charles Palmer, an Englishman who shared her conviction, purchased the estate and named it after himself. Under Charles' stewardship, the property expanded its holdings to 80 hectares. In 1843, the Periere family acquired Château Palmer, investing significant resources into its modernization. Today, the legacy of Château Palmer is carried forward by a group of influential négociant families, including the Mähler-Besse and Sichel families, who remain major shareholders and custodians of the estate.

Guiding Château Palmer into a new era of excellence is the dynamic and talented winemaker Thomas Duroux. With an impressive background that includes overseeing the iconic Super Tuscan legend Ornellaia, apprenticing at Château Léoville Las Cases, and working at renowned wineries such as Mondavi and Tokay, Duroux brings a wealth of expertise to Château Palmer. Embracing a holistic approach, Duroux transitioned the vineyards to 100% biodynamic viticulture, making Château Palmer a pioneer in the region. Sheep graze amidst the 60-hectare vineyards, contributing to the ecosystem, while a herd of cows provides natural fertilizer. Special teas made from nettle and horsetail nourish and protect the vines, and the estate even employs soundwave machines that emit tones and vibrations to enhance the development of protein cells in the vines. Since 2017, Château Palmer has proudly held the Certified Biodynamic status, with their 2014 vintage being the first to embody this commitment fully.

The viticultural team at Château Palmer embodies a culture of respect for the land, the wines, and one another. Their unwavering dedication and consistent pursuit of excellence yield profound wines that resonate year after year. Château Palmer is a beacon of craftsmanship, a testament to the timeless harmony between terroir, artistry, and the human spirit. Immerse yourself in the symphony of flavors and aromas only Château Palmer can offer, and discover the Renaissance of Margaux in each glass.

"The 2022 Palmer is all class. Blackberry, mocha, spice, leather and espresso all meld together in a seamless, elegant Palmer that impresses with its sublime balance. All the elements are impeccably put together throughout. The only thing this is missing is perhaps a touch more energy. Even so, the 2022 is an exceptional Palmer. Yields were a minuscule 22 hectoliters per hectare. Small berries yielded a deep wine that needs time to fully emerge. As has been the case for a few years now, both Palmer and Alter Ego spend a year in small barrel and a second year in wood, a majority of that (65%) in cask." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, (01/28/2025), Ratings: 98

"The Grand Vin 2022 Château Palmer is based on 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, from tiny yields of 22 hectoliters per hectare. It's a deep, unctuous, fabulously textured 2022 that does everything right. Ripe blackcurrants, blueberries, liquid violets, and freshly sharpened pencil notes define the aromatics, and it's full-bodied, with a pure, layered, seamless mouthfeel, a remarkable floral character, and a great finish. It's a ripe, opulent, incredibly sexy Palmer that will benefit from a decade of bottle age and evolve gracefully over the following 30-40 years." - Jeb Dunnuck, (02/27/2025), Ratings: 97, Drink: 2035-2075

"Thomas Duroux and his team opted to wait to pick the 2022 Palmer in pursuit of full maturity, taking advantage of the resilience of the estate's terroirs, and they have followed up with a brilliantly executed élevage that has retained pure, vivid flavors despite the wine's ripeness and unctuosity. Bursting with aromas of blackberries, crème de cassis, mulberries and violets, it's full-bodied, velvety and enveloping, with a sumptuous core of rich, fleshy fruit framed by sweet, powdery tannins, taking on more and more floral nuances as it sits in the glass. This is one of the Médoc's most sensual wines this year." - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate, (03/07/2025), Ratings: 97

"The 2022 Palmer is an absolute peach on the nose, with exquisite aromatic delineation pure black fruit laced with crushed stone and light, almost flinty aromas. The aromatics show a sense of control, crafted in a less opulent style than expected from a warm season or compared to recent Palmer vintages. The medium-bodied palate features fine tannins and a killer line of acidity; Thomas Duroux mentioned the pH is fairly high at 3.80. This wine is extremely precise, with no excess and an unapologetic linear finish. You would never suspect it comes from one of the hottest summers ever. Outstanding." - Neal Martin, Vinous, (02/12/2025), Ratings: 97

"Sharp, energetic, racy and electric. The power and concentration is evident in the dark, rich, concentrated fruit with tannins that grip and take hold with a crushed stone texture, liquorice, graphite, tobacco and cool mint spice. The expression is exceptionally delineated with focus and push from start to finish. Quite bold and charged, but I love the succulence, the perfumed fruit, chalky sensation and overall sense of confidence. In high definition in terms of sharpness and tang to the fruit. A big wine but delivered with poise. 3.79pH. 13% press wine. Harvest took one month from 7 September to 5 October. 70% grand vin, 30% Alter Ego." - Georgina Hindle, Decanter, (05/25/2023), Ratings: 97

"Mouthfilling, vivid blackberry and damson fruits, squid ink, cocoa bean, espresso, black coffee, crushed rose petals. Umami texture, with sea spray salinity on the finish, this is silky and knitted down, spice taking the place of acidity in the construction, skilful winemaking from director Thomas Duroux, yield 23hl/h." - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux, (03/07/2025), Ratings: 96