Marks and reviews
Description
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 2014 vintage started with dry weather and led to a regular vine development, which was felt in the quality of the flowering. Shortly after, rain hydrated the vineyard and allowed for a good growth of the vines. From the start of summer, temperatures warmed up and the weather turned dry again. The rain at the end of July halted veraison, which shaped berries of classic size. The September harvest offered the happy surprise of magnificent, rich and perfectly ripe Merlot, as well as promising Cabernet Sauvignon.
The blend
The Alter Ego de Palmer 2015 is made from a blend of Merlot (52%), Cabernet Sauvignon (42%) and Petit Verdot (6%).
The tasting
The Alter Ego de Palmer 2015 is carried by the sublime aromatic expression of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The dense structure goes wonderfully with the perfect ripeness of the grapes. This great balance is in line with legendary vintages such as 2005, 2009 and 2010.
Service and custody
Palmer's Alter Ego 2015 will develop its aromatic complexity after aging for several years.