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Alter Ego de Palmer 2021

RegionBordeaux
Subregion France > Bordeaux > Left Bank > Margaux
ColourRed
TypeStill
Grape VarietyCabernet Sauvignon/Merlot

This is the second wine of Château Palmer. It is always very smooth and supple thanks to a high proportion of Merlot in the blend.

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Label

Tasting Notes

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. Drink Date: 2027 - 2041

92
William Kelley, Wine Advocate, February 2024

The 2021 Alter Ego has quite a penetrating bouquet with an accentuated marine/oyster shell aspect that combines with the vivid blue and black fruit. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy black fruit, certainly a more structured Alter Ego than usual with a fine line of acidity and graphite/cedar notes furnishing the finish. This will require some bottle age, but it should mature extremely well.

90/92
Neal Martin, vinous.com, May 2022

This represents 40% of Palmer's production in 2021. 6,000 cases. Because of frost there is less Merlot than usual. The blend is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot. Aged in 35% new oak. The yield was 22 hl/ha (down from 31 last year and an average of 35). 13% abv. Vibrant purple. Plummy, fresh and sappy with a light smokiness on the nose. The palate offers admirably plump fruit for the vintage - steeped cherries sit against zingy acidity. The tannins add bite and have a slightly sandy edge, building with a touch of wood tannin on the finish. The sweet kirsch fruit lifts into more floral tones on the finish, which is lively and more delicate.

88/90
Thomas Parker MW, Farr Vintners, April 2022

Savory black and salted-olive character with oyster shells and black licorice. Fine, almost powdery yet firm tannins. Medium body. Excellent density and structure for the vintage. Second wine of Palmer. 60% cabernet sauvignon, 32% merlot and 8% petit verdot. From biodynamically grown grapes.

94/95
James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com, May 2022

The 2021 Alter Ego is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, and 8% Petit Verdot. Deep garnet-purple colored, it bursts from the glass with bold notions of redcurrant jelly, black raspberries, and mulberries, plus suggestions of cinnamon toast, rosehip tea and graphite. Light to medium-bodied, the palate has compelling tension and vibrancy, featuring soft tannins and a bright, fruity finish.
2026-2036

87/89
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, The Wine Independent, May 2022

Deep plum in colour, with silky cassis and plum fruits on the attack. This is savoury, with sappy acidity that is mouthwatering rather than biting. This isn't exuberant and doesnt have huge flesh to the fruit, but it is a truly enjoyable and engaging wine that is one of the '2nds' of the vintage. More black fruit in this than the Palmer in many ways. Higher Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend than usual after frost affected the Merlot, giving it more of a classical Margaux balance than you find in most vintages of Alter Ego, which tends to be generous. 3.76ph.

93
Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com, April 2022

60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot. Cask sample.
Less Merlot than usual due to mildew and frost. Attractive nose with dark-fruit and floral notes. Expressive fruit on the palate, lively and fresh with a refined texture. Tannins present but rounded. Finishes on a dry, chalky note. (JL) 13%
Drink 2027 – 2036

16.5
James Lawther MW, JancisRobinson.com, May 2022
Read more tasting notes...

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. 2027 - 2041

92
William Kelley, Wine Advocate, February 2024

The 2021 Alter Ego de Palmer is a somewhat unusual blend, in that it's fully 60% Cabernet Sauvignon this year, the estate's Merlot having suffered in the April frosts. Exhibiting aromas of cherries, sweet berries and plums mingled wit hints of spices and pencil shavings, it's medium to full-bodied, ample and polished, with a charming, seamless profile founded on beautifully refined structuring tannins. Tasted twice.

91/93
William Kelley, Wine Advocate (260), April 2022
Please note that these tasting notes/scores are not intended to be exhaustive and in some cases they may not be the most recently published figures. However, we always do our best to add latest scores and reviews when these come to our attention. We advise customers who wish to purchase wines based simply on critical reviews to carry out further research into the latest reports.