Wine: Alter Ego de Chateau Palmer Margaux 2017

Country: France

Region: Bordeaux

Designation: Margaux

Brand/Producer: Chateau Palmer

Grape Varietal: Blend: 53% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot

Type: Red

Code: 6871

Producer

Château Palmer is a leading wine estate in Margaux. The estate dates to the 17th century, though it was not until 1814 that Englishman Charles Palmer took ownership and gave it his name. In 1938, the estate was bought by four Bordeaux négociant families, two of whom – the Sichel and Mähler-Besse families – own the property today. Since 2004, the estate has been led by the charismatic agronomist and oenologist Thomas Duroux. In the vineyards, the technical team began experimenting with biodynamic farming and today Palmer is among the leading biodynamic vineyards in Bordeaux. 

In addition to the Grand Vin, the Chateau Palmer portfolio also includes a cuvée called Alter Ego. Introduced in 1998, Alter Ego is produced from grapes grown on dedicated plots and with a different blend from that of the Grand Vin. As such, Chateau Palmer regard it not as a second wine, but very much as a distinctive cuvée in its own right.

Critical Acclaim

Vivino 4.3

94 points James Suckling

This is a delicious and savory wine with beautiful, ripe and creamy tannins, as well as chocolate and plum character. Full body. The flavors turn to wet earth and mushrooms with some leather. Lovely finish. Try after 2021.

92points Wine Spectator

Lively, featuring lots of lavender and savory hints mixed with black cherry and plum flavors. Shows a light bramble note. Open-knit, with juicy energy on the finish.

92points Wine Enthusiast

Attractive black-currant aromas of this wine are followed on the palate by fresh fruits, lit by acidity and bright black-currant and berry flavors. The tannins are soft and open, meaning this wine will develop relatively quickly. Drink from 2022.

92 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2017 Alter Ego de Palmer is deep garnet-purple in color and springs from the glass with vivacious black raspberries, black cherries and crushed blackcurrants notes plus hints of Sichuan pepper, menthol, pencil lead and cardamom. Medium-bodied, the palate is charged with energy, featuring expressive, bright black fruits and firm, fine-grained tannins, finishing long and lively.