Chateau Palmer, classified a Third Growth Bordeaux, is in the commune of Cantenac, the heart of the Margaux appellation.

The Palmer vineyards, originally part of the larger estate of Chateau d’Issan, cover 66 hectares of gravelly soil on terraces overlooking the Garonne River. There are equal amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon (47% each). The remainder is Petit Verdot. From 2014 forward, the entire property has been farmed biodynamically.

Chateau Palmer is named after Major General Charles Palmer of the British Army, who bought the estate in 1814 from Marie de Gascq. A passionate man, he invested a great deal of time, energy and money to develop his property, purchasing land and buildings in the communes of Cantenac, Issan, and Margaux, and by the 1830s, his property covered 163 hectares, 82 hectares of which were vineyards. “Palmer's Claret” quickly gained popularity in London clubs and even found favor in the eyes of the future King George IV.

Charles sold the estate in 1843. The current owners, the Sichel and Mahler-Besse families, have been in place since 1938. Their focus throughout has been on authenticity, quality and consistency.

Alter Ego is a different, nuanced expression of the Chateau Palmer terroir. Born with the 1998 vintage, Alter Ego resulted from a new approach to selecting and blending, intended to interpret the Chateau Palmer terroir differently without departing from the values that make the reputation of the estate’s wines – namely, finesse and elegance, aromatic richness, harmony and length.

Made in roughly the same volume as Chateau Palmer, Alter Ego spends less time in oak, just 16 to 18 months, and only 25% to 40% of the wood is new.

Offering intense, crispy and juicy fruits, Alter Ego is a spontaneous uninhibited wine, soft and round as soon as it has finished barrel aging. Its lush aromas and supple tannins make it a wine that can be appreciated in the first years after bottling.

The 2015 Chateau Palmer Alter Ego is a remarkable wine that showcases the impeccable quality of Bordeaux blends from the Margaux region of France. With its deep red color and elegant label, it is a true representation of the sophistication and allure of this renowned wine region.

On the nose, this wine reveals a captivating bouquet of rocks, stones, flowers, wet earth, and inky, dark cherry. There are also hints of plum and even darker chocolate notes that add complexity and depth. These aromas seamlessly transition onto the palate, where they are met with the same expressions and complexities. The wine is richly textured, sensuous, silky, and sweet, creating a truly luxurious tasting experience.

With a score of 94, esteemed wine critic Jeff Leve praises this vintage as the best Alter Ego ever produced, surpassing even the most exceptional vintages of Palmer from decades past. His review highlights the wine's length, purity, and the exceptional quality that sets it apart from its predecessors.

Other critics also rave about the 2015 Alter Ego de Palmer. Jeb Dunnuck describes it as a sensational wine, with notes of black cherries, cassis, scorched earth, and toasty oak. He commends its full-bodied nature, ripe tannins, solid mid-palate depth, and ample sweet fruit. James Suckling gives it an impressive score of 96, noting its purity, beauty, and aromas of blackberries, dark chocolate, walnuts, cedar, and lavender. He suggests that it will benefit from five to six years of bottle age to fully integrate its flavors.

This wine also garners praise from Wine Enthusiast, which notes its powerful tannins and velvety-smooth black currant fruit. It predicts that the wine will age well over a medium term and recommends enjoying it from 2025. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate praises the craftsmanship of this wine, highlighting its medium-bodied structure, elegant finish, and vivacious mouthfeel.

With its exceptional reviews and accolades, the 2015 Chateau Palmer Alter Ego is a wine that demands attention. Its complexity, elegance, and undeniable quality make it a standout choice for any wine enthusiast. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for future enjoyment, this Bordeaux blend is sure to impress with its finesse and charm.