Appellations

Alter Ego de Palmer (2nd wine of Palmer) 2011

Margaux, Second wine

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Tasting Notes

The draconian selection process has resulted in a delicious second wine, the 2011 Alter Ego de Palmer. It boasts plenty of plum, black cherry and black currant fruit intermixed with hints of vanillin and earth. Medium-bodied and supple, it can be drunk early on, but should evolve for 15 or more years.

Score: 89 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2014-2020 Date: 01 April 2014

Pure damson jam on the nose. Fresher on the palate but a bit lean for the sturdiness of the tannins. A hard chew with the acidity marked and accentuating the tannins. Really tart on the finish. (JH)

Score: 88 - 90 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2012-2027 Date: 28 April 2012

The assemblage is 48% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon and for the second time, 16% Petit Verdot since it was very aromatic. The 2011 has a precocious bouquet that has forgotten that this is supposed to be 2011 and not 2009: layers of sweet macerated dark cherries, blueberry and minerals. One can really sense that Petit Verdot. The palate is medium-bodied with tensile tannins on the entry. It has good acidity and weight, firm grip towards the finish. Tasted April 2012.

Score: 90 - 92 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Date: 30 April 2012

48% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Petit Verdot. Petit Verdot very aromatic (dark fruit and violets) and less structured than usual. Only second time they have included it in Alter Ego. Rich and floral and fragrant on the mid palate. Soft, deep velvety tannins. Lovely pure cherry and dark fruit, so clean and fresh. Open and fresh. Unusual to have an early vintage that is not a very ripe one (early vintages often picked early because it has been so hot). Fully ripe and yet so fresh. Dry but in a good way. Perfume and exactitude. (JH)

Score: 17 Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2019-2028 Date: 16 April 2012

Lovely perfumed and floral aromas. Beautiful structure elegance, purity and definition and charm to come later.

Score: 17 - 18 Decanter, Decanter.com Maturity: 2015-2025 Date: 16 April 2012

Taut but sappy, with lots of white pepper and kirsch flavors and a chalky energy on the tightly wound finish. Tasted non-blind.

Score: 89 - 92 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 11 April 2012

This wine shows an inviting fruit with orangey acidity and a crispy finish. Juicy. So attractive already. This has a little more Petit Verdot in the blend. Gives it lively and interesting character. Second wine of Palmer.

Score: 90 - 91 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 01 April 2012