CHÂTEAU PALMER, ALTER EGO DE PALMER
BORDEAUX, FRANCE 2020
Why Buy: Produced by the venerable Third Growth Margaux property, Château Palmer, Alter Ego de Palmer isn't a "second wine" so much as an alternate wine. Unlike most "second wines," it isn't vinified in the same way as the grand vin; it's given its own process, in order to respect and honor its character. Also, the Merlot vines are planted, not in clay, as is standard throughout Margaux, but in rocky, gravelly soils, giving the wine different dimensions. This 96-point bottling – from the exceptional 2020 Bordeaux vintage – is up there with their very best. And at just over $75 a bottle, this is one you'll want to buy by the case, or cases.
What They're Saying: James Suckling was all over this, lavishing 96 points on it and hailing its "gorgeous perfumes of plums, berries, light chocolate and walnut," its "fine" and "precise" tannins and its "crunchy finish."
The Story: Slim Shady and Sasha Fierce … Ricardo Reis and Nathan Zuckerman … Rrose Sélavy and Man Ray ... The alter ego has long been a trope for the most ambitious and creative among us, bringing forth great daring and brio. That same bold spirit animates Alter Ego de Palmer, a wine that collectors are known to chase down with an ardor bordering on the obsessive. And it's been this way almost since Château Palmer debuted it, a little more than a quarter century ago.
The Winemaker: Thomas Duroux, formerly the winemaker at Ornellaia, that Super Tuscan supernova, runs the operation. You can taste the respect for the terroir in every vintage, along with a determination to make wines with vigor and soul.
Our Tasting Notes: The high proportion of Merlot is evident in every sip, and also at every movement of that sip – most especially in the softness, the roundedness, of the palate. There is, of course, density and weight here, but the mouthfeel is pure silkenness – a remarkable experience of luxury, and an astonishment, frankly, at this price.
What to Pair It With: Rack of lamb with thyme and lavender; a thick and juicy porterhouse or tomahawk with herbed butter.
ABV: 13.5%
Fun Fact: One measure of how popular and coveted Alter Ego de Palmer is: it now accounts for about 40% of the château's sales.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so rest assured: your wine will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure your order today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in 8-12 Weeks. With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NY, TN, or Store 209 (Manassas, VA). This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, February 25th, 2024.
*Due to limited storage space for pre-ordered product, we can only hold orders for 30 days from the first notification that your order is ready for pickup. If you are unable to pick up your order within 30 days, please contact Concierge Sales at (855) 841-2752 or conciergesales@totalwine.com to make an arrangement. A store associate may reach out periodically to notify you of your order. Unfortunately, if no arrangements have been made, after 30 days, the order will need to be cancelled and we will provide a full refund. No orders will be cancelled without multiple communication attempts.
