Château Palmer Margaux Alter Ego 2004

[iainpb]

I picked up a bottle of Château Palmer Margaux Alter Ego 2004 at a discount price (a third off).

Does anyone know how long until this wine is at its best to drink?

[docdix]

Hi,

Why was it discounted? 2004 was a very good year and being from palmer-margaux, it will keep for at least 6-8 years. Wine retailers discount these, in my experience, when they are at peak or just soon to be over the top. I would drink one now and decide whether it is worth buying a few more to have over the next few years.

[iainpb]

Unexpectedly, this wine was in my local supermarket and was one of their wine offers of the week. It took me four visits until they actually had any in stock. I think a lot of people had been taking advantage of the £30 price tag.

I shall drink one soon and maybe grab another bottle while it's on offer.

I have no temperature controled storage, will this wine stay in good condition at normal room tempurature if laid down for the next two years?

[docdix]

If you could try to find the coolest room/closet in the house (basement, bedroom etc...) and keep it away from any light source, that bottle might just make it in two years. I assume the climate in your area remains cool year-round anyway. My brother in law who lives in California recently brought out a bottle which he bought in 2004 (and had forgotten in his closet), it was a 2002 vintage and i was quite impressed at how well it kept... of course thats California weather for you. Good luck and enjoy!

[sheepish]

Berry Brothers (who know how to mark up wine prices) reckon 2011-2016

http://www.bbr.com/product-73865B-alter-ego-de-palmer-margaux?mode_prices_F=RE

Wine Searcher is a good site to find wines and look for merchant's recommendations for drinking dates

http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/alter+ego+palmer/2004/uk

Where did you find it? I found 2003 Penfolds Grange for £99 in Tescos in Bridgend last year. That's Tesco. In Bridgend. Possibly the least likely combination you could think of to find that bottle.

[iainpb]

It was in Sainsburys in Bristol, not sure if it's a nationwide offer or not but it does seem to still be running. Thanks for those links.