A Third Growth that punches above its weight

CHATEAU Palmer distinguishes itself by refusing to behave like a proper Third Growth (1855 Bordeaux Classification). Firstly, its very name sounds more English than French. But more important, it regularly punches above its weight and even above the officially designated Seconds. Indeed, it was the first of the "Super-Seconds", not only outperforming all other Thirds but all the Seconds as well.

And not just in quality but also in price, hence adding insult to injury. The reputation of Palmer 1961 is a case in point. It is almost as famous as the 1961 First Growths, matching that reputation in both quality and price.

This report is of a recent vertical tasting of only four vintages culminating with Chateau Palmer 1961 but including the 1966, which has almost as famous a reputation as the 1961 (Robert Parker described it as being almost as good as the 1961). For this, much thanks to our generous host, P Y Tan, who supplied the 1966 and 1961.