Who makes it?
Château Palmer has long been defined by its ability to transcend fleeting fashions, choosing instead to honor the singular voice of its Margaux terroir. This commitment to history took a fascinating turn when CEO Thomas Duroux tasted a bottle of 1869 Château Palmer and discovered a mysterious, era-defying subtlety. Inspired by the "hermitaged" wines of the past—an ancient Bordeaux tradition of adding a touch of Northern Rhône wine for strength—Duroux sought to resurrect this forgotten practice. The result is the Historical XIXth Century Wine, an oenological challenge that serves as a two-fold tribute to the elegance of Bordeaux and the bold flavors of the Rhône Valley. By breaking free from modern appellation norms, the estate has created a rare collection wine that celebrates the adventurous spirit of 19th-century winemaking.
How is it made?
The production of this exceptional blend is a meticulous journey of instinct and memory. Each winter, the Château Palmer team travels to the northern Côtes du Rhône to hand-select a small portion of Syrah—approximately 10% of the final blend—to complement the estate’s legendary Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2019 growing season provided the perfect foundation for this experiment; despite a cool spring, a hot and dry summer allowed for a rich accumulation of polyphenols. The harvest, spanning from September 19 to October 11, yielded Merlots of immense power and Cabernets of rare distinction. These grapes are combined with two or three carefully chosen barrels of intense Syrah, sourced from secret locations, to create a hybrid masterpiece that magnifies the excellence of the estate’s most iconic plots.
What does it taste like?
The Historical XIXth Century Wine is a striking "elixir of truth" that offers a sensory experience unlike any other. On the palate, the wine retains the signature finesse and elegance of its Margaux roots, characterized by a velvety mouthfeel and soft, precise tannins. The addition of Syrah introduces a complex layer of black truffle, undergrowth, and a compact grain that enriches the traditional blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Tasters are treated to an immersion in a bouquet of fresh flowers, dark fruit, and exotic spices, all enveloped in a fleshy, generous structure. With its discreet production of only five thousand bottles, this wine is a sophisticated, historical treasure that shakes up classicism to deliver a taste of pure, timeless luxury.