Château Palmer Alter Ego Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 2012

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The 2012 Alter Ego is unusually dark in this vintage, the result of abnormally low yields and very ripe Merlot. An exuberant, voluptuous wine, the 2012 hits the palate with a mélange of black cherry, plum, smoke, licorice, tobacco and grilled herbs. There is more than enough tannin and acidity to support a good decade-plus of very fine drinking. This is a superb second wine that should be on consumers' radar screens, as it over delivers, big time. The 2012s at Palmer are made from unusually low yields of around 28 hectoliters per hectare. One of the effects of the 2011 hailstorm that hit the estate was a lowering of the following year's crop, which has resulted in rich, tannic wines. Estate Manager Thomas Duroux opted to give the 2012s more time in barrel than is customary and the wines were bottled in September 2014. (Antonio Galloni, Vinous)

Sipping Fine Wine

Deep Ruby red with intense fruit aromas of dark berries. The palate on this blend of Merlot: 51%; Cabernet Sauvignon: 40%; Petit Verdot: 9%; aged for 18 month on oak (about 30% new) shows cherry and blackberry fruit flavors with vanilla spice. The tannins are well developed and pack a punch, full and rich but calmed down after decanted, well balanced. The finish was complex, elegant and enjoyable, giving mineral nuances with good length. The 2012 is tasting well now and will get better over time! Very Nice!

Felipe Ferreiro

Sommelier/Wine Director Restaurante Las Rias Bajas

Magnificat Juvé & Camps

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

Mid red fruits, dark earth, body semi-lean, smooth and a good finish.

Maeda Yuuji

It's like an orthodox Bordeaux. While the aroma is based on blackberries, the beastly nuance of Merlot and the leather nuance from fermentation show their faces. Good wine.

Mary H

A really pretty wine, orange blossom and cinnamon, cocoa and red fruits. Well-balanced and medium body, tannins were barely just there.

Diana Cohen

We had at la Goulue...jammy cherry chocolate , smooth. Delicious 13.5 alcohol

Chirag

Smooth elegance. How is this only 13.5 degrees?

Keith Dickson

Smooth, balanced and round. Strong finish!

Conner Esworthy

Ready to drink! Dark fruits take the center stage, lots of structure makes for a great pairing with meat (or Pat LaFrieda burgers - delicious!) Good to know the 2012s are accessible now!