Château Palmer 10 Years On 2015

Characteristics and tasting advice for Château Palmer 10 Years On 2015

Tasting

This vintage captivates with a concentrated, fruit-driven nose and a palate where silky texture and freshness harmoniously meld with fine-grained tannins and savory, spicy notes.

A great Margaux wine combining freshness and concentration

The estate

Château Palmer stands as an emblematic figure of the Margaux appellation on Bordeaux’s Left Bank. Committed to biodynamics since 2009, it completed the full conversion of its vineyard in 2014. After earning its reputation through legendary vintages, the estate continues its journey under the inspired leadership of Thomas Duroux.

The vineyard

A must among the great Margaux wines, Château Palmer benefits from an exceptional terroir, very close to the Gironde estuary. Its hallmark is an uncommon varietal makeup in the Médoc: Merlot covers as much ground as Cabernet Sauvignon, both complemented by a touch of Petit Verdot.

The wine

“I never drink the Grands Crus Classés that make up the majority of my cellar before ten years of age. It’s a principle.” – Émile Peynaud.

This maxim from the father of modern oenology sets an ideal benchmark for appreciating a Bordeaux Grand Cru. Since 2010, Château Palmer has reserved half of its production in its own cellars. Over the years, these Margaux wines fully express their personality and aromatic palette. With the “10 Years On” collection, the estate creates a rendezvous for all lovers of great Bordeaux wines: every fourth Thursday of September, the N-10 cuvée of the Grand Vin is released. Ever in pursuit of innovation, Château Palmer includes a QR code on its bottles, inviting an immersive journey through the vintage’s life cycle and the estate’s distinctive universe.

The vintage

The 2015 growing season began under relatively dry conditions, delivering steady growth and ideal flowering. Post-fruit-set rains supported berry development, then late-June heat accelerated ripening (thicker skins, concentrated tannins, and rapid seed maturity). At the end of July, moderate rainfall reignited veraison and allowed the grapes to reach a normal size. In September, very favorable conditions led to a harvest starting on September 22 for Merlot, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot through October 7. Despite elevated alcohol, the dense tannic structure and perfect phenolic ripeness ensure remarkable balance, placing 2015 among the standout recent vintages (2010, 2009, 2005).

Vinification and aging

A 22-month élevage is carried out in barrels, 60% of which are new.

Blend

Cabernet Sauvignon (50%)
Merlot (44%)
Petit Verdot (6%).