($60, Quintessential Wines):  I was unaware of this Champagne house until recently.  After tasting this beautiful bubbly, I’m glad I’ve been introduced.  At the outset, it’s important to note, its name notwithstanding, it has no connection to either Château Palmer in Margaux or Palmer Vineyards on Long Island.  This Palmer, founded in 1947, is a relatively new (at least by local standards) Champagne house that focuses on vineyards in the Montagne de Reims, where all of their grapes come from villages classified as either Grand or Premier Cru.  Though the Montagne de Reims is best known for Pinot Noir, roughly half of Palmer’s non-vintage blend comes from Chardonnay.  Pinot Noir accounts for about a third, with Pinot Meunier filling out the rest.  An amazing third of the blend comes from reserve wines, which helps explain the grandeur of this, their calling card bottling.  It combines elegance with just the right amount of intensity, giving the wine a real presence without being boisterous.  A terrific stand-alone sipper, it’s elegance and depth make it an easy choice at the table with grilled fish.  Although the suggested retail price is $60, I have seen it widely available for about $45, which would make it an excellent buy.
93 Michael Apstein May 18, 2021