Vitis vinifera is a vine that will never stop surprising us. While the summer conditions put the Palmer vines on a path to greater vegetative growth – to the detriment of their fruit – the month of September set them straight and enabled us to pick grapes bursting with promise. The harvest was modest, but the deeply contrasting mosaic of our terroirs continues to offer an inimitable resource for crafting new compositions.

“A vintage in which the talents of a diverse and determined team have made the difference”
Thomas Duroux — Director, Château Palmer

While january heralded a cold winter, February promised kinder temperatures and nourishing rains. The return to dry weather fostered consistent budding across the vines. The spring frosts from April and May slowed growth. Flowering eventually began on May 28, in a warm, dry climate. The fruit set accelerated, and a handful of our most earliest ripening Merlots were affected by coulure. Rainfall was followed by a sharp rise in temperatures in June, leading to explosive vegetative growth. Shortly after a torrential storm on June 19, the arrival of mildew required meticulous monitoring.

A half-hearted summer until August 15 exacerbated vine growth, sparking fears of low numbers of grapes. In late August and early September, four weeks of dry weather thankfully dispelled a lot of the water and the ripening process resumed as normal, just in time for the harvest. Threatened by botrytis, the Merlot harvest started on September 24 while the Cabernets finished on October 15. Despite more modest yields than expected, the harvest was healthy with ripe grapes, and the tasting revealed a remarkably fine tannic texture.

The assemblages were finalized in early December, reflecting an ever-clearer perspective of the Château Palmer plots. This 2021 batch offers exceptionally fulfilled wines, rooted in moderation and harmony, harking back to the vintages of the previous century.

Alter Ego 2021, is more influenced by Cabernet Sauvignon than previous years, magnificently reflecting the essence of the Margaux appellation in a blend of subtlety and aromatic persistence. Shaped by an Atlantic vintage, it remains unflinchingly true to its terroir, revealing a remarkably fine texture and lingering aftertastes that hint at its full potential.

Château Palmer 2021 offers a trip through time. A vintage of moderation and harmony that harks back to those from the last century. The aromatic freshness, combined with round tannins and a trademark mellow character, make Château Palmer 2021 a grand vin by Palmer, among those whose identity is underpinned by texture and smoothness.

“The 2021 vintage once again demonstrates the full passion and cohesion of a collective effort“
‍Thomas Duroux — Director, Château Palmer

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