Alter Ego de Palmer 2009

Special Price $154.95 Average US Price $159.00
Out of stock
SKU
0036-2009

• Domaine: Château Palmer
• Appellation: Margaux
• Classification: Second Wine, Third Growth
• Origin: Left Bank, Bordeaux, France

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.
 

Tasting Notes

"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

More Information
LWIN 1005989
Stock Status Out of Stock
Appellation Margaux
Vintage 2009
Brand Chateau Palmer
Shipping Weight 3.000000
We found other products you might like!

 

Margaux is well known for its prime location in the Haut-Médoc subregion on the Left Bank along the Gironde estuary, which provides a temperate maritime climate and ideal conditions for grape cultivation. The cultivation of vines and wine production in Margaux can be traced back to Roman times. However, during the Middle Ages, the wine industry in Bordeaux began to take shape, and centuries later, Margaux continued to build its reputation as a premier wine appellation throughout the 20th century. 

Margaux is known for its diverse and complex terroir, with gravelly, sandy, and clay-rich soils. The gravelly soils provide excellent drainage and heat retention, particularly favorable for the ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, the primary grape variety grown in Margaux.

Margaux is celebrated for producing elegant and refined red wines. These wines are often described as having a delicate and perfumed character, with aromas of blackcurrant, violets, and other red and black fruits. They are known for their balance, finesse, and exceptional aging potential.

The appellation gained international recognition for producing some of the world's finest wines. Its namesake champion, Château Margaux, was named in 1855 as one of the original First Growths (Premiers Crus). In addition, Margaux is home to these classified estates: Château Palmer, Château Rauzan-Ségla, Château Rauzan-Gassies, Château Durfort-Vivens, Château Lascombes, Château Brane-CantenacChâteau Giscours, Château Kirwan, Château d'Issan, Château Malescot St.-Exupery, Château Cantenac Brown, Château Desmirail, Château Ferriere, Château Marquis d'Alesme, Château Boyd-Cantenac, Château Prieuré-Lichine, Château Marquis de Terme, Château Dauzac.

Footnotes on Futures, Pre-Arrivals, and potential US Tariffs: 

1. As of June 15, 2021, the US and the EU agreed to suspend tariffs resulting from the Boeing-Airbus aircraft trade disputes. Accordingly, such import taxes are now suspended for the next five years.

2. Futures are expected to be available for delivery two years after the sales (e.g., the 2022 vintage, sold in 2023, will be delivered in 2025 mostly, or 2026 if the producer ages the wine longer).

3. Pre-Arrivals are items currently stored in our Bordeaux cellar or in transit from France to the US. It usually takes 1-6 months for Pre-Arrivals to become available for delivery, depending on the stage of the import process.

4. Regarding futures and pre-arrivals, we cannot guarantee specific delivery dates, which factors beyond our control may impact. However, we will notify you once your wine arrives in our cellar.

5. While a buyer of Bordeaux wine futures locks in an allocation of the specified items, the final delivery of the purchased items from France to the US may be impacted by intervening and unforeseeable events. Despite our due diligence, additional costs or delays may be caused by such intervening and unforeseen events and "an irresistible, superhuman cause, or by the act of public enemies of the state of California or the United States."  In such circumstances, if a buyer does not accept unforeseeable costs or delays, the sole and exclusive remedy is a cancellation of the futures order concerned and a refund of the original purchase price. We are NOT liable for any lost profits on a canceled order.

© 2024 Laguna Cellar. All rights reserved. (888) 390-WINE | Drink Responsibly | End Drunk Driving