Alter Ego Margaux 2025 - Second vin BIO (Primeurs)

Decanter

About the wine:

The nose has pronounced spicy notes and is very aromatic, with slightly toasty hints of cinnamon, cedar, and dried herbs, along with a few floral and blackcurrant notes. The palate is smooth and creamy, with velvety, melt-in-the-mouth tannins that fill the mouth and create a soft, enveloping texture, from which aromas of ripe blueberry—as well as a sense of freshness—bloom. Discreet, serene, yet always well-structured with power and muscle, but well-integrated and without excess. It is undeniably juicy and enticing, with a crystalline blueberry character. Great purity, yet always with that broad structure and fairly firm spicy notes of licorice. There’s a lot going on here. More Cabernet Sauvignon than Merlot in the blend. 15% press wine. 2029–2039

Guide Hachette des vins

About the estate:

According to legend, during a trip to France in 1814, British General Charles Palmer fell under the spell of Marie de Gascq, who was looking for a buyer for her Médoc wine. Palmer was born. Next came the Pereire brothers in 1853, influential bankers who built the current château and expanded the vineyard; then, starting in 1938, the Mähler-Besse, Sichel, Miailhe, and Ginestet families (only the first two remain today). Managed since 2004 by Thomas Duroux, this Third Growth—often considered a “super-second”—spans 66 hectares across the rolling hills of Cantenac.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Along with Château Margaux, Palmer is the other great star of an appellation that is all too often inconsistent. Its style—opulent and rounded, with magnificent silkiness—is nevertheless very different from that of its neighbor. The explanation lies primarily in the difference in grape varieties (and thus terroir) between the two estates. Château Palmer is thus one of the Médoc’s classified growths to include the highest proportion of Merlot in its final blend (around 50%). Palmer has cemented its legendary status by producing some absolutely sumptuous wines: the 1961, 1983, and 1989 vintages remain essential benchmarks. Now owned by the heirs of two prominent families, the Mähler-Besses and the Sichels, Palmer is led by the brilliant Thomas Duroux, who has taken the most recent vintages to new heights. It has been certified biodynamic since 2018.

Vinous

Yves Beck

About the wine:

With a very distinct identity, Alter Ego reveals both maturity and freshness, showcasing a well-established character marked by an energetic quality that beautifully blends fruity and mineral nuances. The salty note on the attack underscores this freshness, which takes over the palate while sharing the spotlight with velvety tannins. The result is a wine that is luminous, expressive, and lively. It’s clearly happy to be here… and so am I! 2028–2045

Tastingbook - Markus Del Monego

About the wine:

Deep purple color with violet highlights and a black core. An elegant nose with expressive aromas of fruit, blackberries, and mulberries, along with delicate floral notes, subtle oak, light toasted notes, and soft spices in the background. On the palate, the wine is well-structured with firm yet ripe tannins, lovely acidity, very elegant and expressive fruit, as well as subtle toasty notes and sweet spices in the background. Very juicy character with a compelling finish.