The estate
A Classified Growth in the Official Classification of 1855, Chateau Palmer is a real star of the Margaux appellation, on the left bank of the Bordeaux region. With biodynamic viticulture launched in 2009, Chateau Palmer has chosen to convert the entire vineyard in 2014. Having built its legacy on vintages that have become legendary, Chateau Palmer continues to write its history under the direction of the talented Thomas Duroux.
The vineyard
Upon an exceptional terroir in the immediate vicinity of the Gironde estuary, Chateau Palmer has fairly unusual grape varieties for a Medoc estate, with Merlot given pride of place, supplemented by Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.
The wine
Since its launch with the 1998 vintage, the greatly elegant Alter Ego de Palmer is intended as another facet of the expression of Chateau Palmer wines.
The vintage
The 2012 vintage embodies a year of contrasts. From April to June, conditions were wet and cool, causing late and mixed bud burst. Flowering followed in the same way. Summer marked a turning point with warm temperatures and beautiful sunshine. Rain was rare in August as in September, which allowed the grapes to fully develop their tannins. The harvest took place in October in humid conditions.
The blend
The Alter Ego de Palmer 2012 is made from a blend of Merlot (51%), Cabernet Sauvignon (40%) and Petit Verdot (9%).
The tasting
The Alter Ego de Palmer 2012 fully reveals the rich and exuberant character of Merlot and the precision of Cabernet Sauvignon in a very fine vintage. This successful blend highlights the delicacy and subtlety of this cuvée.
Service and cellaring
The Alter Ego de Palmer 2012 is already a real pleasure on the palate, but this wine will continue to develop its aromatic complexity for many years to come.
Another brilliant example from administrator Thomas Duroux and his team, the intense second wine, Palmer's 2012 Alter Ego (51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Petit Verdot), offers up plenty of blackberry and crème de cassis notes along with some spring flowers, licorice and subtle background oak. Opulently textured, full-bodied and stunning, this is an outrageously successful second wine to drink over the next 12-15 years.