Alter Ego De Palmer 2006
- Producer Chateau Palmer
-
Blend
53% Cabernet Sauvignon
41% Merlot
6% Petit Verdot - Country France
- Region Bordeaux
- Appellation Margaux
- UPC 0 15643 49718 6
Characteristics of the vintage
2006 was a generally hot and dry year, marked by brutal fluctuations in the weather. Budbreak was in late March. Flowering took place as usual at the end of May and the first ten days of June with nice, cool weather: a homogeneous flowering with no noticeable signs of coulure. Heat wave temperatures (35°C) were common during the second half of June and the month of July. This hot and dry weather was luckily peppered with short thunderstorms. In these conditions, veraison was early, and was practically finished by the end of the month of July. August was marked by a sudden reversal of the situation. The cool and rainy weather considerably slowed the ripening process, prompting a substantial amount of work in the vineyard (green harvest and leaf thinning). If the level of rain in August was not generally superior to that of the last thirty years, it still presented an important risk of mildew that required constant vigilance. The end of August and the first ten days of September saw a return of the heat wave, with temperatures reaching 35°C, thus accelerating the previously sluggish ripening process, while making the grape skins more fragile. The rainy period that followed, luckily accompanied by cool temperatures, demanded our utmost attention in order to harvest each parcel at the right moment. Despite the inconsistencies, the weather conditions were actually favorable for the quality of grapes grown on great terroir. June and July allowed the grapes to stock a potential for quality that was revealed as they ripened in September. The rich and powerful tannins don’t overshadow the elegance of our wines, nor their delicate aspect and depth.
Tasting Notes
A robust nose of fruit jellies (peaches, sour cherries, plums and blackberries), we can distinguish spices from its time spent in barrels (vanilla and cinnamon), some floral notes (violets), touches of smoke and a mineral aroma. The seductive attack immediately shows its ripe fruit and tender, yet very present, tannins. The wine develops smoothly and retains a flavorful presence that accompanies an irreproachable
freshness. It’s well balanced and unwavering with a long, delicious finish. This 2006, full of charm, will never abandon its noble origin, rigorous ageing and ideal blending. It’s pinnacle: 2010 to 2018.
Winery Technical Data
HARVESTING DATES AT CHATEAU PALMER: From 19th september to 2nd october.