Palmer & Co - Champagne La Réserve Brut

This beautiful winery, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities just outside Reims, operates with the rigor and professionalism of a family-run estate, which is reflected in the care taken with its product line. The wine sources are primarily from the northern sectors of the Montagne de Reims, a fact reflected in the integrity of the cuvées—from the successful Blanc de Blancs to the Solera rosé, crafted from an original red wine solera system, which gives it an inimitable character. The vintages age to perfection here and are released back onto the market after a few additional years in the cellar.

A cuvée typical of the Montagne de Reims, but also—and this is interesting—a cuvée that includes a slight majority of Chardonnay in the blend. More than 35% reserve wines, combined with four years of aging, ensure that this cuvée is truly impressive. The presence of yeast and the full-bodied mid-palate cannot mask an almost floral elegance, with subtle notes of hazelnut and brioche that round out the profile.

Champagne Palmer & Co is a branch of the Société Coopérative des Grands Crus de la Champagne, which has been based in Avize since 1947. The Palmer & Co brand was launched the following year, in 1948. The founders were seven winemakers who owned vineyards in the Premier Cru and Grand Cru appellations of the Côte des Blancs and the Montagne de Reims. The cooperative moved to Reims in 1959 and began expanding to include other vineyards, such as those in the Sézannais and the Riceys region. As a result, the symbolic milestone of one million bottles of champagne was reached in the 1980s.

The NV Brut Réserve is a blend of 57% Chardonnay, 24% Pinot Meunier, and 19% Pinot Noir, based on the 2016 vintage with 34% reserve wines. Subtle notes of cornmeal and corn leaves give it an understated nose. The palate is bright, lively, and fresh. This wine is not complex, but it is not simple either. It presents a sense of restraint with a lively, creamy finish. The dosage is 6.9 g/L. Disgorged: January 2022.

An intriguing nose of caramelized pear, mirabelle plum tart, and coffee beans, followed by an abundance of red berries that accentuate the overall profile in a rather rich and creamy palate. A long and very harmonious finish. Ready to drink now.

Once again, Palmer takes the prize! Every element is perfectly in place, down to the millimeter. First comes this delicate nose that blends mirabelle plum, linden, and lychee. A fragrance of rare refinement! Then comes the tangy palate, evoking orange, pear, toast, hazelnut, and currants, before concluding masterfully with a hint of licorice-like bitterness. The crowning achievement is managing to achieve such beautiful length without ever becoming heavy—and, on the contrary, maintaining a great deal of elegance. Yet another proof that the circle of “fine wines” must now include certain cooperatives.