2012 Chateau Palmer, Alter Ego de Palmer

ABOUT THE WINE
Château Palmer is named after a British officer, Colonel Charles Palmer (later Maj. General), who settled in Bordeaux in 1814. It is located in the centre of the Margaux appellation, and its vineyards lie on a plateau of clay and gravel soils. Historically the estate has always prided itself on the exceptional quality of its wines, declassifying whole vintages (as in 1963 and 1968) when conditions weren’t conducive to the usual high standards of the property. Classified as a 3ème Cru Classé, it punches significantly above its classification. Since the 2017 vintage, they have been certified 100% biodynamic.

TASTING NOTES
The draconian selection process for the Grand Vin benefits the Alter Ego enormously. Precocious; the wine has an unusually high proportion of Petit Verdot (15%) which brings a weight of dark cherry and blueberry fruit. Medium-bodied, with gravelly minerality and delicately dusty tannins.

FOOD PAIRING
An excellent wine for game, both feathered and hooved.

FRIARWOOD SAYS
Merlot at Palmer is planted on both the clay and gravel soils of the estate; the extra drainage provided by the gravel gives Palmer its elegant opulence. As usual, Merlot dominates in the softer Alter Ego, 48% of the blend in this vintage.