2021 Alter Ego de Palmer
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Tasting notes
Ch. Palmer has been tipped as one of the critics’ picks of the vintage, but its second wine – Alter Ego de Palmer – was also impressive. It leapt from the glass with exotic incense and spice, pencil lead and cassis, while the palate is vibrant and crunchy, full of red fruit and firm tannins that add structure. Aged in 35% new oak, it comes in at 13.2% alcohol. Blend: 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot
Critic scores
Average Score
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Lustrous dark crimson. Buttery nose. Then a bit sharp on the palate. Not harmonious. Some greenness on the end. (JR)
The 2021 Château Palmer Alter Ego is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot that was aged 12 months in barrel followed by 12 months in foudre. It's another smoking good second wine from this château that has a deep ruby/purple hue to go with perfumed red, blue, and black fruits as well as an incredibly floral character in its leafy herb and graphite aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, supple, elegant, and silky on the palate, it's an impressive Margaux to drink over the coming 15 years.
The 2021 Alter Ego, which contains slightly more Cabernet than usual and was bottled in late July, has manifested a little more composure on the nose since tasting it from barrel: black fruit, touches of melted tar and that background scent of shucked oyster shell. The palate is medium-bodied with a juicy opening, yet there is backbone and a mineral-driven finish behind this Alter Ego. Impressive in terms of persistence, don't be afraid to tuck this away in your cellar for three or four years.
About the producer
Ch. Palmer is one of the finest producers in Bordeaux. The Margaux Third Growth is known for its significant plantings of old-vine Merlot, typically representing a large portion of the blend and responsible for the generous and supple style Ch. Palmer is known for.