Chateau Palmer Alter Ego wine
Chateau Palmer Alter Ego 2021
Chateau Palmer takes its name from a British army general who acquired the estate in 1814, although the property dates back to the 17th century. While classified as a third growth in the 1855 Bordeaux ranking, it is recognized as a top “Super Second,” rivaling the first growth Chateau Margaux. The estate leads in biodynamic viticulture. Alongside their Grand Vin, which requires long aging, Chateau Palmer produces Alter Ego, designed to be approachable when young. This blend features mostly Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. Aromas include cassis, black cherry, cinnamon, and cedar, with hints of licorice, mint, and baking spices. On the palate, it shows firm structure, taut tannins, and a robust body, promising excellent aging over the next decade. Pairs well with steak, venison, beef bourguignon, or barbecued meats.
Chateau Pape Clement 2014
Located near Bordeaux, Chateau Pape Clement is one of the oldest estates with over seven centuries of history. Originally gifted to Bertrand de Goth, who became Pope Clement V, the estate bears his name. Owned by Bernard Magrez since 1983, it covers 60 hectares on clayey gravel soils of Pyrenean origin. Vines average 30 years old. The wine undergoes manual harvest and 18 months barrel aging. It shows ruby color with violet hues and intense aromas of blackberry, dark cherry, currant, and violet. The palate is elegant with velvety tannins and marked acidity, finishing long with fruit and licorice notes. Ideal with roasted game birds like partridge.
Chateau Pedesclaux Fleur de Pedesclaux 2020
From Pauillac’s Left Bank, Chateau Pedesclaux Fleur de Pedesclaux exceeds expectations for a Fifth Growth second wine. Founded in 1810 near Lafite Rothschild and others, it is now managed by the Lorenzetti family. The 36 hectares of gravelly clay and limestone soils produce mostly Merlot with some Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. Hand-harvested grapes undergo 16 months in French oak barrels, softening Pauillac’s firm tannins. Rich dark berry flavors, full body, and firm structure make it ideal now with hearty red meats or for cellar aging.
Chateau Philippe Le Hardi Clos de la Chaise Dieu Monopole 2022
Formerly Chateau de Santenay, Domaine du Chateau Philippe Le Hardi covers 98 hectares in Beaune and Chalon, now converting to organic farming. Owned by Credit Agricole since 1997 and managed by Jean-Philippe Archambaud, the vineyard grows Chardonnay in a monopole plot at 350 meters altitude on stony limestone soils with south-south-west exposure. The 30-year-old vines produce wine vinified and aged 12 months in barrels (15% new oak). Best opened 30 minutes before serving; no decanting needed.
Chateau Philippe Le Hardi Mercurey Premier Cru Les Puillets 2022
Domaine du Chateau Philippe Le Hardi is a prestigious historic estate spanning 81 hectares across the Cote d’Or and Cote Chalonnaise, committed to sustainability with “High Environmental Value” certification. Pinot Noir grapes come from Les Puillets Premier Cru vineyard, with vines over 50 years old on limestone and flint soils. After vinification, the wine rests in oak barrels (30% new), gaining complexity and finesse. Recommended to decant 30 minutes before serving.
Chateau Poesia 2020
Owned by the Garcin-Leveque family since 2014, Chateau Poesia’s 13 hectares in Saint-Emilion lie on limestone and clay soils. The vineyard is planted mostly with Merlot (70%), Cabernet Franc (20%), and Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), including vines over 70 years old. Fermentation occurs in small stainless steel tanks, followed by 18 months aging in French oak barrels. The wine presents rich aromas of cassis, plum, black cherry, and hints of spice, vanilla, and cedar. On the palate, it is full-bodied with well-structured tannins, suitable for aging. Decant for at least 1 hour before serving.