Alter Ego de Palmer 2017 is a vibrant, precise, and expressive "second label" that stands as a distinct personality of the legendary Château Palmer. Born from a vintage defined by the protective influence of the Gironde estuary, this wine captures the "elegant balance" of classic Margaux. It is a savory, medium-bodied red that emphasizes aromatic depth and a velvety, approachable texture.

James Suckling | JS 94
Published: Dec 20, 2019

This is a delicious and savory wine with beautiful, ripe and creamy tannins, as well as chocolate and plum character. Full body. The flavors turn to wet earth and mushrooms with some leather. A blend of 53% merlot, 41% cabernet sauvignon and 6% petit verdot. Lovely finish. Try after 2021.

The Wine Advocate | RP 92
Published: Mar 16, 2020
Drink: 2020-2038

Composed of 53% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Alter Ego de Palmer is deep garnet-purple in color and springs from the glass with vivacious black raspberries, black cherries and crushed blackcurrants notes plus hints of Sichuan pepper, menthol, pencil lead and cardamom. Medium-bodied, the palate is charged with energy, featuring expressive, bright black fruits and firm, fine-grained tannins, finishing long and lively.

Decanter | D 91
Published: Apr 9, 2018
Drink: 2024-2038

The blends for the grand vin and second wine are similar this year. This is carefully presented, accomplished and precise, with fresh mint and peony notes on the nose followed by bright and vibrant black fruit flavours. It's extremely pretty, with some lovely floral notes. The yield was 38hl/ha as they lost a few plots to frost over to the west of the appellation. 13.5% press wine. 45% of overall production, representing 9,000 cases. IPT 66.

Jancis Robinson | JR 16.5+
Published: Jun 17, 2022
Drink: 2021-2027

53% Merlot, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot.
Black cherry, clean yet with earthiness. Soft and rounded with dark chocolate and liquorice. Aniseed flavours, not a hint of green – impressive ripeness. There's a good chance of interest evolving here over the next few years.

Chateau-palmer.com

In the Medoc, it'soften said that the great terroirs overlook the water. In 2017, it saved them, thanks to the shielding powers of the Gironde estuary. With a significant lack of rainfall and a mild February and March, we'd expected the vines to awaken early from their winter dormancy. Starting late March and into the first half of April, the buds began opening amidst optimal growing conditions. Then, during the nights of 27th and 28th April, the Bordeaux region was struck by a wave of frost. Thankfully, the river would protect the majority of Chateau Palmer's vineyards. Finally, late May brought the fine weather which would provide ideal conditions for flowering, and the promise of an excellent harvest. The spring remained dry until the month of June. As summer began, it brought several rainy periods which prolonged the vegetative growth of the vines. The veraison took place on schedule in mid-August. The rains of September speeded the maturation of the skins and harvest started early on 20th September. By the 29th, the harvest was over. From the moment vinification began, it became apparent that the conditions of the vintage, coupled by the respectful vineyard management methods we'd used to safeguard the terroir, would allow us to enjoy a great clarity of expression from our plots. Today, the 2017 vintage at Chateau Palmer is precise, without excess. The wines exhibit the elegant balance of our most classic vintages. Their velvety tannins and aromatic depth are promises of splendid ageing potential.

BLEND: MERLOT 53%, CABERNET SAUVIGNON 41%, PETIT VERDOT 6%

HARVEST DATES: 20/09/2017 TO 29/09/2017

AGEING POTENTIAL: TO KEEP