Chateau Palmer 2006 — Chateau Palmer, 3ème Cru Classé, Margaux, Bordeaux, France. Vintage 2006. This release is a blend of 47% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Petit Verdot from a 55 ha estate planted on gravel soils, including many old Merlot vines dating from the 1930s.

The domaine works organically and biodynamically. Winemaking featured 21 months' ageing in French oak, with up to 60% new barrels, producing a wine where ripe fruit and polished oak are closely integrated.

Tasting note: critics note a "stunning, precise bouquet of maraschino, iodine, cassis and tobacco," leading to a medium-bodied palate framed by fine tannins that cloak a sweet core of cassis and blackcurrant. The oak is reported as well subsumed into the wine’s fabric, giving refined texture and good length.

Reviews: Neal Martin (WINE ADVOCATE, May 2016) awarded 94/100 and recommends a drinking window of 2018–2040. Jeff Leve (THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER, March 2017) also scored 94/100 and observed that "a few hours in the decanter added a lot to the wine, softening the tannins, adding body and roundness to the textures." A Bordeaux Index 10-Year On tasting similarly praised its precise bouquet and long-term potential.

Serving and cellaring: for earlier enjoyment decant for a few hours to soften tannins and open aromatics; the recommended drinking window is 2018–2040 for longer-term development. Serve at around 16–18°C.

Food pairing: this is an excellent partner for roast lamb with rosemary and garlic, confit duck or braised beef short ribs — dishes that complement the wine’s cassis fruit and refined tannic frame.

Commercial details: this bottle is from a private customer’s collection and is in excellent condition. We are acting as agent in the sale; the price is exclusive of V.A.T. (not due). Multibuy discounts do not apply.