A second wine that has improved dramatically is the Alter Ego de Palmer. The 2009, a blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, exhibits aromas of blackberries, cassis, chocolate, roasted espresso and a smoky/foresty note. This hedonistic, juicy, succulent Margaux is meant to be consumed in its first 10-15 years of life.
The 2009 Alter Ego de Palmer offers fleshy red cherry and wild strawberry scents on the nose, rose petal mixed with subtle mulch-like aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity, fresh and poised with an open and expressive, slightly ferrous finish. This has a lot of personality and it should continue to age well. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting. 2021 - 2040
Love the gorgeous red fruits in this wine. It seems a little Porty, with prune and blackberry character, but so soft, round and rich. Could use a little more in the center palate, but opulent and generous. A little hot. 50 percent Merlot and 50 percent Cabernet Sauvignon.
Tasted blind. Dark crimson. Violet-scented. Cool and fresh. Dry but with drive. Well balanced and lively. Very neat.
Drink 2019-2032
The second wine of Chateau Palmer and always one of the finest wines of the Margaux appellation. 49% Cabernet Sauvignon and 51% Merlot. Very supple, smooth and polished. A creamy texture and ripe tannins. There are notes of allspice, caramel and vanilla. Seductive and velvety, mouthwatering and moreish. Will be approachable at an early age. Soft, ripe tannins.
There is great depth on the nose, a mass of ripe concentrated flavours. Layers of flavour on the palate give complexity the rich cassis fleshed out by dark chocolate. Freshness is in evidence bilberry and black cherry just a hint of oak giving the finish excitement, peppery spice. Drink 2020-2045.
This was the first wine I tasted in en primeur week, and what a start it was. Vibrantly coloured and intense, with aromatic, cedar wood and cinnamon notes. The palate is fleshy and textured, with plump, almost sweet tannins, bright acidity and great length. Yet another example of a second wine that is deftly handled by a top château. 10+ years.
Black red, superb, velvety almost exotic nose, rich and polished fruit with lots of ripe tannins, will open up early but has terrific length and concentration. Drink 2013-20.
The delicious 2009 Alter Ego de Palmer (an equal part blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) could have been drunk when I tasted it. A dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by smoky blackberry and black currant fruit notes, and a silky smooth, expansive, hedonistic, pleasure-filled wine that should drink well for a decade. (Tasted once.) Drink 2010-2020.
Tasted at the chateau. A lucid purple colour. A blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon and 51% Merlot, I do not even need to approach the glass to nose this wine. Just under 13.7% alcohol. A sense of controlled opulence here, black plum, a touch of cassis and bilberry, the oak just a little dominant at the moment but that will subsume itself into the wine with time. The palate is full-bodied with seamless tannins, a typically plush, approachable Alter Ego with black cherry, a hint of thyme and white fennel, gentle but insistent grip towards the finish. Tasted March 2010
49% Cabernet Sauvignon. 51% Merlot. Very dark crimson. Very sweet and potent with masses of black fruits. Attractive scent but almost soupy! Big and bold and a sort of cross between New World style and Palmer sinewy influence. Very dramatic. Very round and a little bit inky on the end. Quite aggressive. Falls apart a bit on the finish. A little bit green on the finish. Date tasted 31st March 2010. Drink 2015-2025.
