Born in 1814 when British Major General Charles Palmer acquired the Domaine de Gasq in Margaux, Chateau Palmer has established itself as an iconic reference of the appellation. In 1938, four families from the Bordeaux wine trade (Ginestet, Miailhe, Mähler-Besse and Sichel) joined forces to take the helm. In 1950, the Ginestet and Miailhe families sold their shares to the Sichel and Mähler-Besse families. This Third Growth has been under the direction of Thomas Duroux since 2004. The estate stands out for its pioneering approach to biodynamics as well as for the architectural elegance of its neoclassical château.
The vineyard
Planted on one of the most renowned terroirs of Margaux, the Château Palmer vineyard lies on deep gravel soils typical of the appellation. This diversity of terroirs, nestled near the Gironde estuary, shapes the singular character of the wines. The grape varieties, unusual for the Médoc due to a significant share of Merlot, reinforce the distinctive identity of the estate's wines, bringing them suppleness and delicacy.
The wine
Produced since the 1998 vintage, Alter Ego de Palmer is intended to be another facet of the expression of Château Palmer wines.
The vintage
After the trials of the 2024 vintage, the 2025 cycle opened under favourable auspices, with a mild and dry winter conducive to an early and serene budburst. The radiant spring brought a swift flowering and a fine fruit set, while the summer heat, intense yet tempered at the last moment by saving rains, produced small, concentrated grapes of remarkable density. A historically early harvest — starting on 4 September for the Merlots — revealed in the cellar wines of unexpected depth and softness. 2025 thus stands as a great Château Palmer vintage, luminous, velvety and of singular grace.
Blend
Alter Ego de Palmer 2025 is the result of a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot.
Vinum
Deep, inky color and bouquet; aromas of ripe blackberry, blueberry, and black cherry. On the palate, it is approachable, with already well-integrated tannins and an opulent yet crisp fruit profile. The wine has charm, power, and freshness, with a long finish that leaves a salty mouthfeel. A muscular wine full of clarity and precision.
Quite a spiced notes on the nose, really aromatic, a little toasted with cinnamon, cedar, dried herbs, some florality and blackcurrants. Smooth and creamy with a crushed velvety aspect to the tannins which fill the mouth and create a soft cushioning of texture from which the ripe but also cool blueberry aspects widen. Quiet, calm, still massy with power and muscles but well integrated and not shouting. It’s certainly juicy and mouthwatering with a crystalline blueberry aspect. Great purity but still with this wide frame and quite firm liquorice spiced edges. Lots going on here. More Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend than Merlot. 15% press wine.
Jeff Leve
The unique blend of flowers and herbs starts things off before you get to the currants and a hint of tobacco leaves. The medium-bodied palate combines silk, racy-edged tannins, and crisp red fruits, giving plenty of lift through the mid-palate, followed by a mildly spicy, currant-packed finish. The wine is a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and 6% Petit Verdot. 13% ABV. Drink from 2029-2050. 93-95 Pts
Jane Anson
Beautiful deep plum colour, so juicy and mouth watering, with a real energy and momentum, blueberry, cherry pit, love the powerful concentration and sense of lift through the palate, and things really grip as it opens and unfolds. 20hl/h, as with everywhere, 3.65ph, harvest September 8 to 24.
Yves Beck
Full of identity, Alter Ego shows both maturity and freshness, with a well-defined typicity where an energetic character beautifully combines fruity and mineral nuances. The saline touch on the attack highlights the freshness mentioned. That freshness takes over the palate while sharing the spotlight with velvety tannins. The wine feels bright, expressive, and full of enthusiasm. It’s clearly happy to be here… and so am I!
Jean-Marc Quarin
Deep black color. Intense, fruity nose, fresh and ripe. Hints of hazelnut and blueberry. Becomes creamier as you swirl the glass. Precise on the attack, delightful on the mid-palate, with a supple feel, the wine evolves into a juicy, long finish with refined flavors and velvety tannins. Impossible to spit! Blend: 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot. Alcohol: 13% - pH: 3.65. Yield: 20 hl/ha.
