Wine Advisor
Palmer, Alter Ego de Palmer 2008
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted ex-chateau and single blind in Southwold. The Alter Ego 2008 has a very sensual bouquet with crisp blackberry, black plum cedar and violet. Fine delineation. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, good minerality with a focused finish with fine poise and sensuality. Excellent. Tasted January 2012.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Purely seductive in its personality, this blend of 52% Merlot and 48% Cabernet Sauvignon displays silky tannins and a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, with plenty of wood smoke, creme de cassis, and sweet, foresty notes. It is round, generous and irresistible. Drink it over the next decade.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The second wine, the outstanding 2008 Alter Ego de Palmer, a blend of 52% Merlot and 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, is one of the finest examples of this cuvee I have tasted. Well-integrated wood smoke intermixed with notes of creme de cassis, earth, and forest floor are found in this opulent, deliciously fruity, round, and sensual effort. It should drink beautifully for 10-15 years. Yields at Palmer were a shockingly low 30 hectoliters per hectare, and the harvest lasted from October 1 to October 17. Keep in mind, the natural alcohol percentage in the Merlots harvested at Chateau Palmer was a low of 13.5% and reached a lofty peak of 14.5%. All the Cabernet Sauvignons came in between 12%-12.5%. Moreover, the level of tannins and dry extract/polyphenols was the same as in 2005, which provides one more piece of evidence in what is a very successful vintage for Bordeaux.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
This has a ripe, succulent bouquet with notes of black plum, cassis and a touch of briary. Very well integrated oak, more immediate than other 2008s at this early juncture with plush cassis and boysenberry, gaining intensity in the glass. The palate has a rounded texture, an edginess to the tannins which is needed to counterpoise the rounded, sensual fruit. Very cohesive and focused towards the caressing finish that just lacks the length of a great vintage. Luscious. Drink 2013-2025. Tasted October 2010.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
En primeur barrel sample. Deep purple colour. The nose is reticent at first, takes some coaxing, ripe fleshy red fruit, a touch of damson, black cherry and blueberry. Nice definition but it remains tightly coiled. The palate is spicy, lovely prickle on the tongue, vibrant black fruits, lots of energy here. Good length. A little like a spring. Tasted April 2009.
About the Producer
The fine seaside climate and soils of Long Island’s North Fork provide exceptional conditions for the making of world-class varietal wines. With 110 acres planted with Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc to supply the winery’s 20,000 annual case production, Palmer strives to preserve and enhance the purity of flavor and distinctive, fresh character which makes this region’s wines so unique. The state- of-the art winery contains the most modern winemaking equipment available today, and also includes substantial new French oak cooperage, purchased each year, for both barrel fermentation of our Chardonnay and the aging of our premium red varietals.
