1962 Chateau Palmer

The nature of Château Palmer. In the heart of the Margaux appellation, 66 hectares of gravelly soil and grassy rows overlooking the Gironde estuary. Between this earth rich in ancient history, and these heavenly skies with their nurturing microclimate, vines flourish under the care of men and women. One terroir, three grape varieties: such is the horizon of Château Palmer.

The winter went by smoothly. A cold spell at the end of February hampered the vegetation period, which only began on April 10th, 3 weeks later than usual. Progress was delayed due to a cold but frostless beautiful month of April. On 24th and 25th the weather was spring-like and the vegetation flourished rapidly. However, in May, the weather became unstable and rainy and the vines struggled. Things looked up in early June and full bloom was announced on 17th, in exceptional conditions. Blazing heat on 23rd caused some coulure. The month of July, cool and wet, ended with a harmless hailstorm on 26th. In August, the heat and a drought restored hope despite the delay in the vines’ growth the previous month. The véraison, however, was slow to finish, presaging a late harvest. Temperatures dropped with the arrival of rain on September 25th. Harvesting began on October 1st with optimistic forecasts concerning both quality and quantity. It was the most abundant harvest of the 1960s.

This vintage represents an architecturally constructed wine that has defied time. It is a wine of great sensitivity, memorable for its minty freshness, its elegance and its flavor.