What
A fast-rising, quality-focused cooperative started by seven grower families in 1947 with an unusual specialty: chardonnay from the Montagne de Reims.
Where
Reims; the cooperative has access to over 450 ha of vineyards, over half in the Montagne de Reims, but only the best is saved for their own brand.
Why
The late-release collection wines spend ages on lees (20 years in this case) in chalk cellars 18m deep. The collection series began in 1947 and is reserved for top vintages.
What else
Unusually, every bottle from Palmer is fermented in the bottle it’s sold in, whether 375ml or 15L.
Tasting Notes
Nose is very mature, replete with hazelnuts, toasted almond, malt and generously browned pastry. On first impression, not much fruit remains under this profusion of riches but then apricot jelly begins to seep in, gradually filling out the middle. Acid and chalky phenolics brighten from mid-palate on.
Try It With
Korma or makhani dishes.
When To Drink
After meal.
Perfect For
Your friend who claims to hate champagne.
Tatler Tip
Feels quite mature (almost over the hill) but seems to grow younger if you wait.
TL/DR
Nutty and mature but alive and kicking.