Wines Margaux Château Palmer - 1991

Château Palmer 1991 is a Grand Cru wine from the revered Margaux appellation in the heart of Bordeaux’s Left Bank. As is typical for this prestigious château, the blend is likely to be dominated by Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with a possible presence of Petit Verdot, reflecting the classic structure and elegance of Margaux reds. The 1991 vintage was marked by unpredictable weather, including spring frosts, which rendered the growing season particularly challenging and resulted in lower yields. Wines from this year are consequently more delicate and evolved than powerhouse vintages, displaying tertiary notes and finesse. The vinification at Château Palmer is characterised by meticulous selection of grapes and traditional Bordeaux methods, ensuring complexity and depth, even in lighter years.

The Margaux appellation is world-renowned for producing some of Bordeaux’s most perfumed and graceful wines. The region’s gravelly soils, coupled with a moderate maritime climate, allow for excellent drainage and gradual ripening, supporting the development of nuanced aromas and silky tannins. Margaux’s viticultural history stretches back centuries, and its wines are celebrated for their distinctive combination of intensity, fragrance and longevity. In a year like 1991, the emphasis falls on subtlety, aromatic complexity and elegance rather than raw power.

With its maturity and refined character, Château Palmer 1991 is best enjoyed with dishes that highlight its evolved flavours and gentle structure. Traditional pairings from the region such as roast lamb with herbs, duck breast with red fruit sauce, or a simple entrecôte bordelaise would complement the wine’s tertiary notes of cedar, dried fruit, and tobacco. Delicate game, mushroom-based dishes, or even mature hard cheeses will also harmonise well.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this wine at 17-18°C, after allowing some time to breathe in a decanter. Given its age, pour gently and watch for sediment. This is a contemplative wine, perfect for savouring with fine food and good company.