Alter Ego de Palmer 2021

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.
 

"This has a juicy delicate structure, leaning in to the Margaux character, floral and fragrant, with intensity and balanced minerality. Savoury and sappy, blueberries, mirabelle plum and grilled cassis, and waves of gunsmoke. Higher Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend than usual, giving it more of a classical, less exuberant character than in many vintages. 25% new oak." - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux, (01/26/2024), Ratings: 93, Drink: 2025-2040

"The 2021 Alter Ego is a bright, savory wine driven by Cabernet Sauvignon from light, sandy soils. Intensely aromatic, the Alter Ego is a bit clenched today, but that should not be an issue in a few years' time. Dark red plum, mocha, new leather, spice and cedar build in the glass, lifted by bright acids and a kick of blood orange that adds vibrancy." - Antonio Galloni, Vinous, (04/02/2024), Ratings: 93

''The 2021 Château Palmer Alter Ego is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot that was aged 12 months in barrel followed by 12 months in foudre. It's another smoking good second wine from this château that has a deep ruby/purple hue to go with perfumed red, blue, and black fruits as well as an incredibly floral character in its leafy herb and graphite aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, supple, elegant, and silky on the palate, it's an impressive Margaux to drink over the coming 15 years.'' - Jeb Dunnuck, Bordeaux 2021 From Bottle (4/3/2024), Ratings: 92, Drink: 2024-2039

"Bursting with aromas of blackberries, mint, violets and pencil shavings, the 2021 Alter Ego de Palmer is medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, with impressive density and ripeness for the vintage, its deep core of fruit framed by sweet, powdery tannin. Like the grand vin, it's a very strong effort this year." - William Kelley, The Wine Advocate, (02/08/2024), Ratings: 92, Drink: 2027-2041