Daniel Paquette, a telecommunications professional from Canada, first discovered an affinity for wine in 2000, and a friend has been introducing him to the pleasures of fine wine ever since. However, a period when he was bedridden, and had the time to read various guides and books on wine, also played a major role in his acquiring of knowledge of the subject.

In May of the same year, Daniel decided to put theory into practice by going on a trip to Bordeaux − and Palmer was the first château he visited. "What a beautiful way to begin a dream trip!", he exclaims. He fell in love with the wine, the estate, and the people at Palmer. "I was delighted to receive an extremely warm welcome, despite the fact I was not in the wine business".

Two years later, in 2002, Daniel returned to Palmer, where he spent an unforgettable day picking grapes with his friend and mentor, René Bigaouette.

After a third visit, in 2005, Daniel planned a tasting of Château Palmer in Montreal with Bernard de Laage for the following year. This tasting, entitled "Hommage à Palmer" took place in May 2006, and was tutored by Bernard de Laage and Alain Bélanger, bronze medal winner at the Mondial du Meilleur Sommelier 2000.

Daniel has a large cellar of wines that are mostly young. This includes nearly a thousand bottles of wines with good ageing potential, 75% of which will be consumed in 10 years or more. There are only a small number of New World wines in his cellar. "I appreciate finesse above all else... That's why I remain loyal to French wines, and in particular, Bordeaux, for which I have the greatest affinity". His other wines come from Italy, Germany, Portugal, the US, and New-Zealand. It goes without saying that Château Palmer has pride of place, with nine vintages. "I have had the chance to taste over 15 vintages of Palmer, more than any other wine".

So, what are his favourite vintages? "1983 thanks to its richness, 1989 because of its exuberance and tremendous ageing potential, 1998 due to its seductive bouquet and, last but not least, 2002… the vintage in which I participated (in my own modest way, of course), as well as the year my daughter was born!" He is looking forward to tasting the 2005, the year his son was born, and hopes one day to have the privilege of enjoying the 1966, 1961, or even the 1945.

How does Daniel serve Château Palmer at his house? "Opening a bottle of Palmer is always a celebration for me. It is the perfect accompaniment to game, and I have a special soft spot for Palmer and venison. In any event, I always bring out my best bottles for my closest friends. The food I serve on such occasions is of little importance… and Palmer is no exception!"