ALTER EGO - Château Palmer

A LT E R E G O
2003
« Un fruit franc, généreux et expressif domine le nez. La bouche s’impose par une matière charnue. L’élégance
du Margaux est bien là (...). Il manque cependant cette allonge en fin de bouche que l’on retrouve de manière
plus affirmée dans le grand vin »
Commentaire de dégustation de la revue du Vin de France, Roberto Petronio et Antoine Gerbelle, le 01/11/2006.
This extraordinary vintage was characterised
by several periods of very hot weather, with
temperatures reaching 40°C and higher in June,
July, and August. Such long-lasting, extremely
hot weather broke records going back 150 years.
Although the overall level of rainfall was low, and
this dryness accentuated the effects of the heat,
2003 will be remembered above all for its tropical
summer temperatures. This resulted in a low yield
of small grapes with thick skins. The 2003 harvest
was the earliest in 60 years, with the exception of
1989. The harvest started with Merlot grapes on 8th
September, followed by Cabernet on the 16th, and
finished with Petit Verdot on the 20th. Fermentation
was conducted with the greatest of care because of
the high degree of ripeness and sugar levels in the
Merlot grapes. Relatively short maceration (17 days)
made it possible to retain the wines’ freshness and
balance. They were full of charm, with good body
and very ripe fruit from the very beginning. Despite
the heat wave, the 2003 wines of Château Palmer
reflect their prestigious terroir and will undoubtedly
reveal the exceptional quality of this vintage over time.
blend
Merlot : 47 %
Cabernet Sauvignon : 53 %
harvest dates
09/08/2003 to 09/20/2003
ageing potential
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