Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Vieux Château Palon – 2021
Montagne-Saint-Émilion AOC – Right Bank, Bordeaux, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A distinctive Right Bank Bordeaux, this cuvée flips the classic Merlot-dominant Saint-Émilion script. Instead, it is crafted from 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Cabernet Franc, making it unusually bold, structured, and aromatically lifted for the appellation.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackcurrant, blackberry, and cassis dominate, with graphite, cedar, and tobacco leaf from the Cabernets. Subtle violet and peppery notes emerge from the Franc.

Mouthfeel
Firm tannins, medium-plus body, and a long, savory finish. More muscular and linear than many Montagne-Saint-Émilions, leaning toward Left Bank style but with Right Bank elegance.

Food Pairings
Grilled ribeye, lamb chops with rosemary, cassoulet, duck confit, aged Comté or Tomme de Savoie cheeses.

Verdict
An atypical but fascinating Montagne-Saint-Émilion that highlights Cabernet structure over Merlot plushness. For those who love Pauillac or Saint-Julien, this bottle is a bridge into the Right Bank world. Cheers!

Did You Know?
Montagne-Saint-Émilion is one of the four “satellite” appellations of Saint-Émilion, known for offering excellent value Bordeaux reds. Few estates here lean so heavily on Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes Palon stand out stylistically. — 7 days ago

Doug Powers

9.2

A little orange bricking on the edge, this lovely aromatic 25-year-old Chateauneuf seems mature and ready to drink, still shows lively acidity which nicely lifts the red fruited flavors, good weight, lingering finish, should pair beautifully with the bison ribeye I will soon be grilling!! — 2 months ago

with Jim

LM Segal

9.5

As good a Sancerre as I’ve ever tasted, haunting salinity. Miles to go. — 3 months ago

Pinotman /// Andreas

8.9

Rated highly (wherever 93 points). I found this wine OK but not oh boy that is the white CdP i need to store. It was easy drinking now. Almond blossoms and Jasmine…. — a month ago

Paul T HB

9.6

WA Review 95 points ( dense and structured, yet still vibrant and very pure, the 2007 Abelard is 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah. Loaded with deep blackberry and black cherry fruit, licorice, crushed stone and hints of roasted herbs, it is full rich and concentrated, with knockout precision and focus. It is serious stuff and still a baby. Drink it over the coming decade)
96 points for me since it’s aged very well. — a month ago

Jol

9.2

37 ans Moins de nez mais suave et profond — 3 months ago

Ira Schwartz

9.1

When faced with a difficult list, I will always go with Crochet if it’s there. Consistency and a fair price. — a month ago

Charlie Tapp

9.2

Strawberry, red candy, plum and eucalyptus. Feminine and polished.

Drink now. — 16 days ago

JKT

9.1

Wow aged nicely. Minerals floral notes followed by firm biting texture laced with mature fruit notes and long finish. — 2 months ago

Tobin Spratte

9.4

Terrific value Southern Rhone. Bursting with aromas of white flowers and honey backed by a racy combination of lime juice, cardamom, ginger, and minerals. Beautiful lingering finish that echoes the honeyed citrus and spice aromas. — 3 months ago