Intense aromas of blackcurrants, cedar and ripe tobacco with hints of violets, following through to a full-bodied palate with extremely refined tannins that are well-integrated into the wine and are long and subtle at the finish. Such precision and harmony with structure. From biodynamically grown grapes. Best after 2023.
Aromas of sweet cherries, raspberries, berry fruit liqueur, licorice and spices introduce the 2019 Alter Ego de Palmer, a medium to full-bodied, fleshy and enveloping wine with lively acids, melting tannins and a lavish core of ripe, creamy fruit. It's more immediate than the more muscular, powerful grand vin. Drink 2021-2039.
The 2019 Alter Ego from Palmer is deep garnet-purple in color. It has a profound nose of crème de cassis, plum preserves, tar, and star anise, followed by hints of wild sage, cedar chest, and graphite. The medium-bodied palate reveals finely grained tannins and compelling freshness to match the intense, nuanced fruit layers, finishing long and vibrant.
Enveloping aromatics, velvety and welcoming. This has fine spice and is full of momentum and clarity. Supple tannins supporting layers of damson fruits, holding on tight through the mid palate with anise and black pepper then softening into gourmet brioche, espresso and cigar box notes. 45hl/h yield, 45% of overall production. Great to see this wine again, after no Alter Ego was produced in 2018.
Tasted blind. Savoury intensity on the nose. Rich and captivating. Still young, but with a long way to go. Subtle and appetising, with youthful depths. A charmer. 14%
Drink 2027
– 2045
51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petit Verdot. Barrel sample.
Vigorous, fresh and expressive – just so much life! Floral aroma with a savoury edge. Smooth attack then generous fruit across the palate, the texture silky and fine. Lifted and vivacious. Tannins so fine you almost forget them. Approachable but could surprise with age. (JL)
Drink 2025 – 2035
The 2019 Alter Ego is a blend of 51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 9% Petit Verdot. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it zips out of the glass with energetic scents of black and red cherries, boysenberries, and sassafras with suggestions of dried mint and Sichuan pepper. Medium-bodied, the palate is lively, refreshing and delicately fruited with lots of savory layers and a spring in its step on the finish.
Cinnamon spice on the nose, with a patisserie edge to the fruits that gives a rich, creamy impression. As ever with the Palmer stable of wines, you can pick out the individual flavours clearly, with careful and precise delineation of cassis, bilberry, slate and tobacco notes, but overall this is an outstanding Alter Ego that puts the emphasis on pleasure. Tannins are extremely precise but feathery and pliable. An extremely low 37ppm of SO2 at this stage, in keeping with biodynamic principles and a desire to let the fruit speak. 3.62ph. 45hl/h yield, 45% of overall production in Alter Ego. Drinking Window 2024 - 2038
We were unable to taste the 2019 before release due to the low sulphur levels of the wine in barrel prohibiting the delivery of samples abroad.