Alter Ego de Palmer 2022

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.
 

"The 2022 Alter Ego is bright, punchy and focused. Floral notes meld into a core of red/purplish fruit, spice, mint and orange peel. Medium in body and gracious, with sublime balance, Alter Ego is superb. In fact, the 2022 is one of the most refined editions I have tasted. It is not a very typical wine for Bordeaux, but it is among the classiest and most distinctive, without a doubt." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, (01/28/2025), Ratings: 95

''Ripe black cherries, melted chocolate, spring flowers, and violet notes all emerge from the 2022 Alter Ego, a 51% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Petit Verdot. It's a rich, voluptuous, full-bodied, unctuous second wine that has more texture and richness than just about every other second wine out there while staying beautifully balanced, layered, and elegant. I'd be thrilled with bottles in the cellar.'' - Jeb Dunnuck, (02/27/2025), Ratings: 94

"Gorgeous fragrance, so expressive and open, scented with red cherries, strawberries and floral notes, violets, irises and roses. Powerful on the palate, clearly ripe black berry fruit but encased in lacy tannins with such appealing juiciness. Playful and so enjoyable, clean, pure, energetic with lively acidity, chalky edges and spicing throughout. Classy and well constructed with refinement. Really quite moreish even now but still delivering power and the Margaux charm. 3.73pH. 15% press wine. Harvest took one month from 7 September to 5 October. 70% grand vin, 30% Alter Ego." - Georgine Hindle, Decanter, (05/25/2023), Ratings: 93

"The 2022 Alter Ego de Palmer is expressive, even exuberant, bursting with a sweet bouquet of ripe blackberries, minty plums and violets. Full-bodied, layered and velvety, it's suave and unctuous, with a pure, seamless profile." - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate, (03/06/2025), Ratings: 93