Chateau Paloumey Haut Medoc Bordeaux, Complete Guide

Learn everything about Chateau Paloumey Haut Medoc with wine tasting notes and wine-with-food pairing tips. Learn the best vintages, a history of the property, and information on their vineyards and winemaking. If you want to read about other important, Bordeaux Chateaux: Links to all Bordeaux Wine Producer Profiles

Chateau Paloumey History, Overview

Chateau Paloumey has a long history in the Medoc. But after years of no attention to its vines, due to financial difficulties, by the mid-1950s, the vineyard was abandoned by its owners, because the upkeep was too expensive. The modern era of Chateau Paloumey began in 1990 when the estate was purchased by the Cazeneuve family.

At the time of the purchase, the entire property needed a complete renovation and the vineyards required complete replanting. The Cazeneuve family was already experienced in owning vineyards when they bought the property, as they had previously owned Chateau MaineGazin in what is now the Cotes de Blaye appellation a few years earlier. Chateau Paloumey is owned and managed by Martine Cazeneuve today.

Tragedy struck Chateau Paloumey in January 2020, when the chateau was destroyed by a fire. The cellars and vineyards were not harmed. However, the chateau sustained severe damage and needed to be reconstructed.

Chateau Paloumey Vineyards, Terroir, Grapes, Winemaking

The 36.4-hectare Left Bank vineyard is planted to 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Chateau Paloumey is located in the commune of Ludon. This is close to the southern end of the Medoc, not far from Chateau La Lagune and Chateau Cantemerle.

Their specific location gives them a warmer micro-climate, allowing them to harvest a bit earlier than their neighbors. The terroir is gravel, sand, clay, and limestone soils with vines divided into two main sections. Since 1995, Chateau Paloumey has practiced self-sustainable vineyard management techniques.

The wine of Chateau Paloumey is vinified in temperature-controlled, stainless steel tanks. Malolactic fermentation takes place in vat. The wine is then aged in 30% new, French oak barrels for about 12 months before bottling. There is a second wine, Les Ailes de Paloumey. On average, the annual production at Chateau Paloumey is close to 24,000 cases of wine.

The best vintages of Chateau Paloumey are: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2010, 2009, and 2005.

The Cazeneuve family also produces wine at Chateau Le Besanne in Margaux, Chateau La Garricq in Moulis, and Chateau Haut Carmaillet in the Haut Medoc appellation. Chateau Garricq comes from a small, 3-hectare parcel of vines with a large percentage of Petit Verdot.

When to Drink Chateau Paloumey, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time

Chateau Paloumey can be decanted for an average of 1 hour or so. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.

Chateau Paloumey is usually better with 2-4 years of bottle age. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage character. Chateau Paloumey offers its best drinking and should reach peak maturity between 3-12 years of age after the vintage.

Serving and Decanting Chateau Paloumey with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips

Chateau Paloumey is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift. The wine of Chateau Paloumey is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, and grilled dishes.

Chateau Paloumey is a perfect match with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta as well as cheese.

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