2008 Alter Ego de Palmer, Margaux

Palmer’s 2008 Grand Vin was superb and, quite honestly, their second wine is not far behind. There is a lovely depth of fruit and spice on the palate with fabulous concentration and focus. Very precise, this is incredibly elegant with multilayered fruit and a wonderfully long finish. If you fancy a taste of the First Growth quality of the Grand Vin but at a third of the price, then 2008 Alter Ego is for you.Château Palmer

Purely seductive in its personality, this blend of 52% Merlot and 48% Cabernet Sauvignon displays silky tannins and a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, with plenty of wood smoke, creme de cassis, and sweet, foresty notes. It is round, generous and irresistible. Drink it over the next decade.
The second wine, the outstanding 2008 Alter Ego de Palmer, a blend of 52% Merlot and 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, is one of the finest examples of this cuvee I have tasted. Well-integrated wood smoke intermixed with notes of creme de cassis, earth, and forest floor are found in this opulent, deliciously fruity, round, and sensual effort. It should drink beautifully for 10-15 years.Y ields at Palmer were a shockingly low 30 ha per hectare, and the harvest lasted from October 1 to 17. Moreover, the level of tannins and dry extract/polyphenols was the same as in 2005, which provides one more piece of evidence in what is a very successful vintage for Bordeaux.
(Robert Parker- Wine Advocate - Apr 09)