Alter Ego de Palmer 2007

Alter Ego is one of the best known second wine, thanks to its name.  Though initially created as a second label for the renowned Third Growth Margaux property, Château Palmer, Alter Ego has a cult-like following of its own. Alter Ego sits within its own class, and if a new classification were to take place, it would be considered a Fourth Growth wine or higher.  Alter Ego is a worthy purchase for any wine buyer – and it never stays on the shelves too long. 

The history of Château Palmer dates far before it received its namesake.  The vineyards were initially holdings of Château d’Issan before they were purchased by the fiery Madame de Gascq.  Madame de Gascq saw the estate’s potential before anybody else did and told Englishman Charles Palmer the wines here were as good as some of the First Growth properties in the Médoc.  Charles agreed with her, purchased the estate, and per the tradition of the time named it after himself.  Charles Palmer tripled the property’s holdings to 80-hectares, and in 1843 sold it to the Periere family.  The Periere family invested a lot of money into improving and modernizing the estate, only to sell it to a group of four powerful négociantfamilies.  Of these four families, the Mähler-Besse family and the Sichel family are still some of the major shareholders running the estate today.

In 1998, Château Palmer debuted their legendary second label, Alter Ego.  Buyers and critics should take note – Alter Ego is not a Second Wine in the traditional sense.  It’s an entirely separate label with different plots and unique production process.  Many, “second wines,” at other estates are vinified the exact same way as the grand vin, using younger vines.  Alter Ego is not vinified the same way as the grand vin of Château Palmer, it is specifically vinified to have a more user-friendly drinking process.  Because of this, Alter Ego is considered one of the best values within the region.  Alter Ego is a unique Left Bank wine because it has a heavy preponderance of Merlot.  These vines are planted within the mixture of graveled soils.  Many other estates in Margaux plant their Merlot vines simply in clay, but what makes Château Palmer unique is their decision to plant these vines in their more graveled areas, revealing richer and more subtle nuances often not found in this varietal.

Today Château Palmer is overseen by the young and energetic Thomas Duroux. Duroux brings with him an impressive background; he formerly was in charge of the Supertuscan legend Ornellaia prior to his working at Château Palmer.  Thomas Duroux was responsible for transitioning the vineyards to 100% Biodynamic viticulture. The viticultural team at Château Palmer has a culture of respect regarding the land, their wines, and their team.  That consistent pursuit of excellence manifests itself in their profound wines – year after year. Fans of this estate should consider Alter Ego to be a worthy purchase if they want to experience a new side of this exemplary producer.
 

"A second wine that has improved dramatically is the Alter Ego de Palmer. The 2009, a blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, exhibits aromas of blackberries, cassis, chocolate, roasted espresso and a smoky/foresty note. This hedonistic, juicy, succulent Margaux is meant to be consumed in its first 10-15 years of life." - Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate (12/22/2011, Issue 199), Ratings: 91, Drink: 2012-2027

''Soft, elegant and rounded, with outstanding notes of currants, plums, sous bois and hints of cedar, the 2007 Alter Ego De Palmer is medium to full-bodied, forward and integrated on the palate. It's drinking beautifully today, with a mix of ripe fruit and just hints of maturity, yet should easily keep for another decade or more.'' Jeb Dunnuck, Bordeaux 2022 En Primeur (12/12/2017) Ratings: 90 Drink: 2017-2029

''Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 2007 Bordeaux tasting. This 2007 Alter Ego de Palmer has a slightly higher-toned bouquet than its peers though without the same charm, and there is just a touch of volatility coming through with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannin, truffle-tinged red fruit, with good weight on the finish that is missing a little finesse. Stocky and blunt at first, although it does "tuck its shirt in" with continued aeration, so I suggest a healthy decant. Tasted March 2015.'' Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate (06/30/2017) Ratings: 88 Drink: 2016-2026