The medium to dark ruby 2005 Alter Ego is a sexy, lush, up-front style of 2005, with loads of cedar wood, a fragrant and perfumed personality, and silky tannin. It is moderately endowed, but lusciously suave and seductive. Close to being an outstanding second wine, it will drink well for another 7-10 years. Drink: 2015 - 2025
Tasted blind. Interesting hint of putty on the nose. Strong Cabernet/cassis fruit aromas. Not the most subtle, but correct. I could mistake it for a top Chilean, I suspect!
Drink 2018-2030
Dense and fragrant small berry fruit, suave, concentrated yet balanced, lovely texture, poise and length. Drink 2009-16.
Came 90th out of 184 wines
This is another estate where the second wine has become better than the grand vin was 30 or 40 years ago. Administrator Thomas Duroux is especially proud of the 2005 Alter Ego de Palmer, which boasts abundant amounts of sweet berry fruit intermixed with notions of chocolate, charcoal, and black fruits. Soft tannins and a heady, opulent finish offer immediate appeal. Enjoy it over the next decade
Another example of a second wine that approaches a serious level of quality, the 2005 Alter Ego de Palmer exhibits a beautiful deep, plum/purple color as well as abundant amounts of sweet berry fruit interwoven with licorice and pain grille notes, and soft tannins. A lovely, opulent, sleeper selection that represents a high class vin gourmand, it should drink well for 10-15 years.
Rich and sweet and a little bit overripe but certainly flashy even if not for the long term
Dark crimson. Muted nose but opulent. More Merlot than in 04: 57 per cent rather than 50 per cent. Very opulent and worked and gentle on the palate with fine tannins and Margaux silkiness but no strong flavour. Texture rather than flavour impression at the moment. Quite a bit of alcohol on the finish plus velvety tannins. 14 per cent alcohol - so beware! (Second wine of Ch Palmer). Drink 2012-22