- CRITICAL REVIEWS
- WINEMAKER NOTES
Robert Parker Wine Advocate
2012 Chateau Palmer, Margaux, France
A BALANCE BETWEEN SKY AND SUN.
Three periods: a rainy spring, a sunny summer, a wet fall. Two characteristics: exuberant Merlots on one side, and precise, linear Cabernet Sauvignons on the other. Two vintages in one: a happy marriage for a richly balanced wine. The main characteristic of the vintage is that of an unusual contrast between spring, summer, and early fall. The cool, damp weather from April to June brought about a late yet heterogeneous budding. Flowering also presented the same features. Taking place in unfavorable conditions it resulted in a high percentage of coulure in our oldest Merlots. The risk of developing diseases was high and required our continuous attention. In summer, the weather changed completely. In late June, the sun began to shine and temperatures finally rose. Ripening began on July 23, heralding a late vintage. It hardly rained in August or during the first three weeks of September. These particularly favorable conditions, due to the lack of water and nitrogen, enabled the vine to focus its energy on developing phenolic compounds and therefore produce high-quality grapes. The weather took another turn for the worse during the final week of September. The harvest was intense, taking place between October 1 and 15 without interruption and in wet conditions. The Botrytis pressure was constant. However, low yields helped maintain healthy conditions around the bunches. The rich, exuberant Merlots were reminiscent of the finest vintages of the first decade of the 2000s. The Cabernet Sauvignons were linear, precise, and in keeping with the 2008 grapes. This unusual marriage harmoniously highlighted the smoothness, elegance, and refinement of Château Palmer wines.
BLEND
CHATEAU PALMER
Merlot 48%
Cabernet sauvignon 46%
Petit verdot 6%
ALTER EGO
Merlot 51%
Cabernet sauvignon 40%
Petit verdot 9%
HARVEST DATES
From the
1/10/2012
to the
15/10/2012