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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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
