Alter Ego de Chateau Palmer, Margaux 2022
Country: France Region: Bordeaux (Margaux)
Varietal: 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot
Vintage: 2022 Colour: Red Style: Dry
Producer: Chateau Palmer
Producer Description:
Although officially classified as a Third Growth, the Palmer wines are among the greatest in Bordeaux. The Margaux estate dates back to the 17th century, but it was not until 1814 that the Englishman Charles Palmer gave it his name. Today, it belongs to the Sichel and Mähler-Besse families and is run by oenologist Thomas Duroux. It is in these hands that Palmer is today one of the leading biodynamic vineyards in Bordeaux.
The radiance is recognizable in an instant. This vintage’s sunny appeal is concentrated in the grapes’ generous flesh. Yet the most moving aspect of Alter Ego 2022 is its harmony. The assemblage offers a pitch-perfect rendition of the earth from which it was born: the light, Margaux soil, shifting and combining to form the finest of matters. Bringing to life a floral character and a powdery, tannic structure. Rooted steadfastly in its terroir, this Alter Ego opens in a display of intense refinement.
93/100 Points - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
"Damson plum colour, intense, concentrated and spicy, with the lightness of touch coming in through the floral aromatics, and a lift of white pepper and sage spices. Big punch of fig and blackberry fruit, and a tight umi plum edge that provides contrast. Deft and skilful, great quality. Harvest September 7 to October 5, yield 23hl/h. Thomas Duroux director. First year in barrels and then into larger oak casks for the rest of ageing."
93/100 Points - Neal Martin, Vinous
"The 2022 Alter Ego is quite high-toned on the nose, with lavish black plum and blueberry scents, not quite as sophisticated as the '22 Giscours, although it improves significantly in the glass, gaining delineation with each swirl. The palate is relatively understated on the entry, sapid black fruit commingling with liquorice and a dash of white pepper. It coheres nicely towards the finish. A keeper. "
91-93/100 Points - William Kelley, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
"A blend of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot, the 2022 Alter Ego de Palmer offers up aromas of cherries, wild berries and plums mingled with vine smoke and rose petals. Medium to full-bodied, deep and brooding, with a layered core of fruit, lively acids and rich, powdery tannins, it's a gourmand, voluptuous wine that will offer a broad drinking window."
Tasting Notes:
Lush and energetic in style, there are aromas of blueberries, crushed rocks, and graphite in the nose before the sweet cassis fruit and gorgeous aromas of violets and iris take over. There is good intensity here which matches the structure of the tannins and gives a tense, tannic backbone to the wine. Thomas Duroux, contrary to most winemakers in 2022, extracted more than usual so that the tannins became were suave and round. Fine and long in the finish.
Food Pairing:
Charcuterie, Cured cheeses, Red meat
