Tasted blind at Farr Vintners' horizontal tasting, the 2006 Alter Ego de Palmer has evolved a savoury bouquet with earthy, almost Saint Estèphe like aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with tart red cherry fruit, quite spicy yet harmonious with a ferrous, structured, tobacco-stained finish that lingers long in the mouth. After ten years, this seems to be à point, though it has the substance to give another 5-8 years of pleasure. Tasted April 2016.
Spicy and delicious. Shows loads of fruit, with fine tannins and a long finish. Very pretty and juicy.
CS 53%, Merlot 41%, PV 6%. This second wine wine, not tasted blind, was apparently selected in the vineyards not cellar. Vinified much more gently than the grand vin. Sometimes a short cold soak. "It’s not our second wine, it’s a different style of wine", says Duroux. About 8,000 cases made.
Excellent depth of crimson. Very full, fresh, ripe fruity aroma - much more so than Pavillon Rouge just tasted in fact. Though a little taut and drily inexpressive on the palate. This is not as early maturing as the original Alter Ego mission statement might suggest. Very easy on the finish though. Well made by a gentle hand. Slightly hollow towards the finish. Juicy, sweet crunchy fruit - hint of spice (because of the Petit Verdot?). Just a lack of impact on the back palate.
Tasted at the château. This is a very fine Alter Ego. A cool, mineral nose with blackberry, limestone and a scent of gravel and hedgerow. Very fine definition. The palate is quite attacking, racy acidity and a sharpness that lends this such lift and penetration. Very minerally with a silky smooth, very focused finish of blackberry, cedar and blueberries. More reserved that usual, but perhaps more sophisticated. Tasted April 2007.