This event was held in a private home on Almanac Pond Road next to a vineyard. The homeowner plans to produce wine as the grapevines reach the appropriate maturity. The home itself was not a typical Nantucket design--the original builder was an architect and it had vaulted ceilings, lots of natural light, curved arches, etc.
Chateau Palmer is in the Margaux region of Bordeaux and was classified as a 3ieme growth in the 1855 classification. The presenter was head of the chateau's operations in the USA, assisted by a restauranteur from Nice Matin on the upper westside of Manhattan. The restaurant has a winelist including older Bordeaux vintages and has been a champion of Chateau Palmer. I made a mental note to check out Nice Matin the next time I visit NYC (also Bar Boulud which I hear tweets special bottles to be opened at or near cost by the glass offering a chance to try some rare and expensive wines.)
We started with two vintages of Alter Ego which is not a second wine from Chateau Palmer but is another wine styled differently to be accessible earlier than the traditional estate wine. It debuted in 1998 with grapes from different plots and a different blend. We tried the 2011 and 2008 vintages.
2011 ALTER EGO Medium to long finish. Dark currants and raspberries. About half Merlot, half Cabernet Sauvignon.,
2008 ALTER EGO Unusual nose. Some cedar and leather. Viscous. I slightly preferred this over the 2011 though initially I was on the fence and found it almost a tie.
CHATEAU PALMER HISTORICAL XIXTH CENTURY WINE LOT 20.00. This wine series is a homage to 19th century Chateau Palmer vintages that may have included Syrah in the blend. The 2004 vintage contains 85% traditional Bordeaux varieties (half Merlot and half Cabernet Sauvignon) and 15% Syrah from the Rhone; usually about 10-15% Syrah in the blend. I found red currants on the nose as well as cranberries and even some cherry. Viscous, smooth tasting.
2011 CHATEAU PALMER Hail damage diminished the crop in this vintage. The wine was smooth and not too tannic.
2005 CHATEAU PALMER This had a tannic edge that showed up as a later impression, not at first sip but when held in the mouth.
1998 CHATEAU PALMER I again found currants on the nose and palate but perhaps black currants this time rather than red. A slight smokiness which I found attractive. The Nice Matin restauranteur spoke of secondary or tertiary characteristics such as the fruit drying out more, tobacco notes might become ashes, animal, meat and leather notes. He said this wine could age five or more years and still evolve. I enjoyed this vintage.