ALTER EGO 2nd wine of Ch. Palmer, Margaux 2022 Bottle
Red Still Wine | France | Bordeaux | Margaux | 75cl
£89.95 / £539.70 case
ABV: 14%
Size: 75cl
Closure Type: Cork
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-Region: Margaux
Wine Style: Medium Bodied
Grapes: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc
Description
The 2022 Alter Ego de Palmer is a striking Bordeaux with a fragrant and expressive profile. On the nose, it delights with aromas of red cherries, strawberries, violets, and roses, layered with hints of vine smoke and ripe black fruit. On the palate, it is medium to full-bodied, showcasing a complex blend of rich, layered fruit with lively acidity and silky, powdery tannins that add elegance and structure. The wine is both powerful and refined, exhibiting a playful yet serious character with chalky edges and a bright, energetic core. Its balance of finesse and depth makes it highly enjoyable now, yet it promises further complexity and grace with age from 2027 to 2045. An excellent expression of Margaux charm and versatility.
A Deeper Dive;
Château Palmer
Château Palmer is located in the commune of Cantenac, just a stone's throw from the village of Margaux. The estate encompasses 66 hectares of vines planted on a plateau composed of gravel, sand, and clay soils that overlook the Gironde estuary. The vineyard consists of equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, each at 47%, with 6% dedicated to Petit Verdot. While the average vine age is around 40 years, typical for the region, some vines exceed 70 years, contributing to the wines’ notable richness and complexity, alongside a generous Merlot content and effective biodynamic practices.
Since 2004, the estate has been guided by the dynamic agronomist and oenologist Thomas Duroux, who previously honed his winemaking skills at Ornellaia in Tuscany. Thomas has implemented significant renovations, completely modernising the grape reception area alongside the vat rooms and barrel cellar. Under his direction, the technical team has also started experimenting with biodynamic farming practices, positioning Château Palmer as one of the forefront biodynamic vineyards in Bordeaux. The estate’s portfolio goes beyond its grand vin, including a unique cuvée Alter Ego.
Launched in 1998, Alter Ego is crafted from grapes grown on specific plots with a different blending approach compared to the grand vin. As a result, the estate considers it a distinctive cuvée rather than merely a second wine. Between 2008 and 2013, Château Palmer fully transitioned to biodynamic farming. Beyond the vineyards, the estate boasts a variety of complementary plants and grazing animals, contributing to its diverse ecosystem.
JANCIS ROBINSON - 17/20 Points
51% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot. Cask sample. Fresh, floral and juicy, the accent on the fruit. A real delectation. Tannins firm but fine, so well structured as well. There’s drinkability but also the potential to age.
Drinking Window: 2028-2042
JANE ANSON MV - 92 Points
Dense fruits, violet reflections, with a hit of iris, peony and roses. This is a serious wine, with intense phenolics and full extraction that just walks the line, edges of ripe cassis, fig, saffran spice, cocoa bean, grilled campfire notes, dark bitter chocolate and fennel. High drama, maintains estate signature, keeping its own imprint and personality. Harvest September 7 right through to October 5. Blend done by December, yield 23hl/h. 3.73ph.
Drinking Window: 2027-2042
THE WINE ADVOCATE - 91-93 Points
"A blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot, the 2022 Alter Ego de Palmer offers up aromas of cherries, wild berries and plums mingled with vine smoke and rose petals. Medium to full-bodied, deep and brooding, with a layered core of fruit, lively acids and rich, powdery tannins, it's a gourmand, voluptuous wine that will offer a broad drinking window."