Alter Ego de Palmer (2nd wine of Palmer) 2012

Margaux, Second wine

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Tasting Notes

Another brilliant example from administrator Thomas Duroux and his team, the intense second wine, Palmer’s 2012 Alter Ego (51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Petit Verdot), offers up plenty of blackberry and crème de cassis notes along with some spring flowers, licorice and subtle background oak. Opulently textured, full-bodied and stunning, this is an outrageously successful second wine to drink over the next 12-15 years.

Score: 93

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2015-2030 01 April 2015

The second wine, which has gone from strength to strength over recent years, the 2012 Alter Ego de Palmer, is a blend of 51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Petit Verdot. Spicy and earthy, displaying notes of new saddle leather, roasted herbs and meaty barbecue, it is a medium-bodied, fleshy, attractive wine to drink over the next 10-12 years. Thomas Duroux produced a brilliant 2012 Palmer that is unquestionably one of the stars of the vintage. High levels of tannin were up there with their best vintages, at least analytically. The final blend of 48% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot results in a style of wine that is totally different than that of its nearby neighbors, Chateau Margaux, Rauzan-Segla and Malescot St.-Exupery.

Score: 88 - 90

Robert Parker, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2013-2025 26 April 2013

18% press wine, pH 3.65. Quite strong leafy Cabernet aromas, but lovely freshness and round tannins. Is this like Palmer of old? I don’t think I would guess this was majority Merlot… Just slightly green on the end. 13.4%

Score: 17

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Maturity: 2019-2027 22 April 2013

Offers notes of smoke, roasted herb and cassis bush, with solid plum fruit. Shows grace on the palate, delivering dark, silky fruit and caressing tannins lined with an iron edge. Tasted non-blind.

Score: 90 - 93

James Molesworth, Wine Spectator 08 April 2013

This has incredible length for a second wine. Full body, with dark berry and raspberry character, ultra-fine tannins, and a long, long finish. Tiny grape yields for the vintage. 51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Petit Verdot.

Score: 92 - 93

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com 04 April 2013