Vin Blanc de Palmer | 2022

Certified Demeter biodynamic since 2018, Château Palmer is one of the most innovative and influential estates in Bordeaux, moving towards the polyculture model in which gardens, forests, animals, and vines live cordially in a 100-hectare estate. For their reds, they have transitioned to 3,000L neutral barrels for the second year of aging, the first in Bordeaux to make this gutsy move, relying on the precision and purity of their fruit. They even hold back and cellar 50% of their red production, releasing a 10-year library wine every fall.

Palmer Vin Blanc is an enigma with about 3,000 bottles produced, 1,000 of which remain at the estate. Out of the 2,000 bottles for the world, about 250 bottles come to the United States, still the world’s largest allocation. First made in 2007, 2010 was the first commercial vintage. Unlike the traditional Sémillon/Sauvignon Blanc blends, Palmer’s recipe uses the historical and fleeting Muscadelle, the pinkish-berry Sauvignon Gris, and an unusual variety once used in Sauternes called Lauzet. The Bordeaux AOC banned the use of Lauzet, thus Palmer’s label uses the simple and unassuming, “Vin de France.” But what you have in the glass is a rare time warp, a glimpse of a bygone style of Bordeaux, acoustic and bright. Raised in demi-muids, the nose is gentle with shimmery greens, exotic citron, and dewy melon. Thin lines of acidity, spring rain, and white flowers pave the palate, followed by a lingering sweet and stony finish. Mysterious and enchanting, Palmer’s white stands alone and delivers an electrifying taste of Bordeaux history. ~Allegra A