Wine Advisor
Palmer, Alter Ego de Palmer 2009
View analysis
Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
A second wine that has improved dramatically is the Alter Ego de Palmer. The 2009, a blend of equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, exhibits aromas of blackberries, cassis, chocolate, roasted espresso and a smoky/foresty note. This hedonistic, juicy, succulent Margaux is meant to be consumed in its first 10-15 years of life.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Tasted at the chateau. A lucid purple colour. A blend of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon and 51% Merlot, I do not even need to approach the glass to nose this wine. Just under 13.7% alcohol. A sense of controlled opulence here, black plum, a touch of cassis and bilberry, the oak just a little dominant at the moment but that will subsume itself into the wine with time. The palate is full-bodied with seamless tannins, a typically plush, approachable Alter Ego with black cherry, a hint of thyme and white fennel, gentle but insistent grip towards the finish. Tasted March 2010.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The delicious 2009 Alter Ego de Palmer (an equal part blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon) could have been drunk when I tasted it. A dense ruby/purple color is accompanied by smoky blackberry and black currant fruit notes, and a silky smooth, expansive, hedonistic, pleasure-filled wine that should drink well for a decade. (Tasted once.)
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The Alter Ego has a very well-defined bouquet, very precise with touches of dark cherries, Morello, crushed violet, rose petal with an underlying sorbet-like freshness. The palate has good acidity on the entry, a little angular at first but coalescing in the glass but it never loses that citric thread of acidity. Just a little abrupt on the finish for now. Tasted September 2011.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
Served blind at the Southwold 2009 tasting. This has a lovely floral bouquet with classic dark black fruit, olive, a touch of brine and sea salt. It opens beautifully in the glass - all finesse and grace. The palate is medium-bodied with a gentle grip. There is plenty of fleshy fruit here belying the structure underneath. The finish is understated and gentle but that finish is very long. Do not underestimate this wine. Tasted January 2013.
Reviewed by: Ian d'Agata
(a blend of 51% merlot and 49% cabernet sauvignon) Ruby-red. Precise aromas of red cherry, blackcurrant, cocoa and minerals. Bright and fresh in the mouth, with luscious flavors of red and black berries. Finishes clean and long, with an obviously inky/flinty note and mounting tannins that will need some time to resolve fully. A very successful Alter Ego.
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The 2009 Alter Ego de Palmer offers fleshy red cherry and wild strawberry scents on the nose, rose petal mixed with subtle mulch-like aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity, fresh and poised with an open and expressive, slightly ferrous finish. This has a lot of personality and it should continue to age well. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.
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.
2000(1)2008(1)
Package Size
