CHATEAU PALMER ALTER EGO 2009 1.5L

Very ripe fruit aromas. The palate is almost velvet in texture, smooth and rich, fruits packed with black berries and sweet plums. A charming, delicious wine.

An enticing Alter Ego, that still has plenty of smoked grilled oak and a ton of upfront sweet liquorice root, blackberry and cassis fruits, along with still present but pliable tannins. Beginning to really hit its stride, no need to wait to enjoy.

What a second wine. This is so delicious with a dense palate and beautiful yet friendly structure. Velvety tannins coat your mouth but it is the savory fruit that brings you back for more. Love the chocolate and coffee undertones.

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.

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 is nicely sculpted, with enough concentration to the dark plum, Maduro tobacco, anise and warm tar notes to merit some cellaring, but enough bright acidity and juicy briar hints to make it accessible now. Drink now through 2020.