| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Margaux |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
This is the second wine of Château Palmer. It is always very smooth and supple thanks to a high proportion of Merlot in the blend. Generally one third of Palmer's vines always make Alter Ego and one third always make the grand vin. The other third varies depending on quality each year.
In 2023 Alter Ego is 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot from a yield of 32 hl/ha. 5,500 cases will be produced (and 11,000 cases of Palmer).
Wafting from the glass with pure aromas of cherries, berries, plums and potpourri, the 2023 Alter Ego de Palmer is medium to full-bodied, bright and vibrant, with a vigorous core of fruit framed by supple tannins. It's a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot.
The 2023 Alter Ego represents one-third of the crop, coming exclusively from gravel soil and picked at 32hL/ha. It displays a very deep purple hue. The bouquet is notably opulent, with the Merlot very expressive and shaping the aromatics at the moment. Hints of cassis and violets lurk beneath, perhaps needing a little more delineation. The palate is actually cut from a slightly different cloth, more restrained and a touch spicier than expected. Graphite and tobacco emerge toward the finish, as if the reins have been passed over to the Cabernet component. This will be fascinating to revisit in bottle—I would just like to see more aromatic composure.
Shiny purple in colour with the sweet, enticing exoticism synonymous with this estate clear on the nose. Blue and black fruits together with creamy, enticing red berries. The texture is silky smooth - this will drink well in its youth. Mouthfilling with cashmere tannins and spicy, seductive black fruit. Finishing with tones of black forest gateau, this is a real crowd-pleaser.
This is dense and velvety with a creamy texture. Blackberry, blueberry and stone aromas and flavors. Layered. Very primary and focused. 53% cabernet sauvignon, 43% merlot and 4% petit verdot.
Opaque purple-black in color, the 2023 Alter Ego strides confidently out of the glass with bold notions of crunchy black plums and redcurrant jelly plus suggestions of bay leaves, graphite, and mossy tree bark. The medium-bodied palate is bright and shiny, with vibrant black and red berry flavors and a racy backbone textured by grainy tannins, finishing with a cheeky herbal lift. The blend is 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot.
Vivid ruby plum colour, great depth of flavour, balancing spiced plum, fennel, rosemary and anis with juicy blackberry and damson fruit, all delivered with a caress of floral aromatics and well-paced momentum. The August and early September heat waves meant lost yield but higher concentration, and this is a structured Alter Ego that stretches out through the palate, with a kick on the finish. September 11 harvest through to October 5, 25% new oak for ageing.
The 2023 Alter Ego is plump, juicy and super-expressive. Soft, silky tannins enshroud a core of plum, red cherry, spice, menthol and mocha. All the elements are so nicely balanced. A burst of red-toned fruit and spice lingers on a finish lifted by bright acids. This is such a sensual Alter Ego. 2028-2043
53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot. Cask sample.
Ripe and full with an explosion of fruit. Sweet, round and gourmand on the palate. Touch of warmth but balanced by the freshness of the tannins. Distinctive in style. (JL) 13.9%
Drink 2028 – 2038
