At a glance

Producer

Château Palmer

Region

Margaux, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot (Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blend)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$95-$170 USD per 750ml bottle

Tasting profile

Aromatic with blackcurrant, violet, plum, cedar, graphite, gentle herbs, and smoky undertones. Silky tannins with refined structure.

Evolution: Mid-palate richness develops into earthy, truffle, tobacco, and subtle spice as it ages; fruit softens and tertiary complexity deepens.

At peak: Harmonious balance of fruit, earth, and texture; supple finish, sustained freshness, complex aromatics.

Structure

Acidity

Medium to medium-plus

Tannins

Fine, polished, medium-plus

Alcohol

13.5%-14% ABV

Aging potential

15-20 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2025 to 2047

Optimal window

2022 to 2050

Current status

Ready to drink

Current condition

Well-integrated, with vibrant fruit and tertiary notes emerging

Alter Ego 2015 is a classic, structured Margaux second wine from a fine vintage, intended for earlier approachability than the Grand Vin but offering similar refinement as it matures.

Food pairing

Roast lamb, duck breast, beef filet, mushroom dishes, aged hard cheeses.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — Allows youthful tannins and evolved aromatics to open up; benefits from aeration as secondary notes emerge.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

No synthetic herbicides/pesticides; vineyard biodiversity, composting, cover cropping, manual harvest, precision water/energy use, lightweight glass bottles, cork from responsibly managed forests.

Château Palmer implemented organic farming practices in 2015, certified from 2017, using sustainable energy, organic composts, and non-invasive vineyard interventions. Water conservation via precision systems and significant efforts to minimize input/output carbon, but vintage’s lack of full-certification and export logistics keep score under maximum. Commitment to biodynamics and ecological initiatives are industry-leading for Bordeaux grands châteaux.