The subtlety and aromatic expression of a Margaux wine
The estate
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
Chateau Palmer 2021 is a Margaux wine made from an exceptional terroir located in the close proximity to the Gironde estuary. Chateau Palmer has fairly unusual grape varieties for a Médoc estate, with Merlot given pride of place (47%), supplemented by an equal portion of Cabernet Sauvignon (47%) and Petit Verdot (6%).
The wine
Since its launch with the 1998 vintage, the utterly elegant Alter Ego de Palmer has showcased another expression of the wines of Chateau Palmer.
The vintage
A cold January preceded a mild and rainy month of February which then gave way to drier conditions that favored an even budding of the vines. Although the spring frosts were controlled by the estate's teams, these conditions slowed down the growth of the vines. Flowering began at the end of May, two weeks later than in 2020. June was particularly hot and was punctuated by a strong storm which led to the development of a high level of mildew. The unstable weather conditions until August 15th led to a strong and significant plant growth, which could lead to a lack of concentration in the grapes. The dry conditions from the end of August/beginning of September helped to refine the ripening process. Despite low yields, the grapes harvested between September 24th and October 15th were healthy, ripe and revealed very fine tannins.
The blend
Cabernet Sauvignon (60%)
Merlot (32%)
Petit verdot (8%).
Alter Ego de Palmer 2021: Characteristics and tasting tips
The tasting
In this 2021 vintage, the predominance of Cabernet Sauvignon reveals a subtle and aromatic expression of the appellation, through a beautiful finesse and a rare persistence.