- The wine is being offered for £606 (12×75) SEP.
- James Lawther MW called it “pure and appetising”.
- The 2017 and 2015 vintages look good value, in-bottle options.
Alter Ego de Palmer 2020 has been released for €50.50 per bottle ex-négociant, up 16% on the 2019’s opening price.
It is being offered by the international trade for £606 per 12×75, 16.5% more than the current Market Price of the 2019.
Neither the 2019 nor 2020 have been scored by Benchmark Critic, Neal Martin. There are back vintages which offer Fair Value versus today’s release. See more Fair Value analysis below.
Critical opinion
Palmer did not send samples abroad this year so only those critics who were able to go to Bordeaux have scored the wines.
Jane Anson awarded it 93-points. “It’s a vintage where you can’t get away from the tannins, but here they have sinew and juice,” she said.
She added that the 2020 has purity of fruit as well as “the gourmet touch you want in Alter Ego”.
James Lawther MW gave it a 17+ saying it was “pure and appetising”, with a “vineyard fresh feel” but more structure than other vintages.
Fair Value
With a 12% discount to today’s release, the 2019 looks more favourable purely on a price comparison. Anson scored the 2019 94-points, just above the 2020.
That said, production was hit again in 2020 by mildew pressure and the drought. Stock released is low and this is a wine which sees high demand.
The 2017 and 2015 vintages both below £600 a case might also be of interest to buyers from among in-bottle vintages.
Our Bordeaux En Primeur 2020 page contains everything you need to know about this year’s campaign. You can also sign up for our daily En Primeur email alerts using the form below.
