Alter Ego de Palmer

Alter Ego De Palmer

Classification: Second Wine of Chateau Palmer
Alter Ego De Palmer was first produced in 1998 as the result of a new approach to selecting and blending. It's known as Château Palmer's second wine but it really should stand alone on its own right as a Second Label. Prior to 1998 the second wine was called La Reserve de General but this was discontinued and the is now wine sold off in bulk. There are no separate vineyards for Alter Ego de Palmer as it is made from the same grapes on the same terroir as its illustrious big brother. The difference is in the wine making as different techniques and extractions are used to make it. Alter Ego is fermented at lower temperatures to preserve fruitiness. Fermentation typically lasts two weeks for Alter Ego and three for Palmer. The blending of Alter Ego de Palmer seeks to bring out softness, finesse, and intense fruitiness - the hallmarks of Château Palmer's terroir - even when young. After 16-18 months in barrel, Alter Ego's elegant aromas, concentration, and smoothness make this a great Margaux and a typical Palmer.

Château Palmer's vineyards span 128 acres and lie on gravely rises several metres thick in the communes of Margaux and Cantenac, overlooking the Gironde Estuary. The soil consists of brittle black lydite, white and yellow quartz, quartzite mottled with black, green or blue, and white chalcedony. There is a saying in the Médoc that the greatest terroirs are "within sight of the river". This saying stresses the importance of the layer of gravel essential for growing quality wine grapes. The grapes grown are 47% Cabernet Sauvignon, 47% Merlot and 6% Petit Verdot. This is an unusually high percentage of Merlot and makes a soft, well rounded wine.

Wine Style
Although Alter Ego de Palmer can age for 10-15 years, depending on the vintage, it is designed to be approachable just two years after it is bottled. Alter Ego is full bodied, well balanced, and fruit driven with a finish of blackberry, chocolate, blueberry and cedar. It's a silky smooth opulent wine and has a charming elegance.

Owner: Société Civile de Château Palmer (also own Château Desmirail)
Chateau Website: www.chateau-palmer.com
Oenologist: J Boissenot