2023 Chateau Palmer Alter Ego de Palmer, Margaux, France (750ml)

WINEMAKER'S NOTES: 

Alter Ego was launched with the 1998 vintage, driven by the idea of producing another facet to the estate. Spontaneous, round, generous, and silky, this 'other wine' is both intense and light, rich and delicate. It has the elegance and grain de tanin of its predecessor. Throughout its creation, Alter Ego is led by the same high standards that govern the composition of Château Palmer's great wine.

Blend: 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot

TASTING NOTES:

The 2023 Alter Ego is plump, juicy and super-expressive. Soft, silky tannins enshroud a core of plum, red cherry, spice, menthol and mocha. All the elements are so nicely balanced. A burst of red-toned fruit and spice lingers on a finish lifted by bright acids. This is such a sensual Alter Ego. –Antonio Galloni Barrel Sample: 93-95

- Vinous, 95 pts. 

Composing one-third of the production, the 2023 Alter Ego De Palmer is based on 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. It's an inky hued second wine that has a round, medium to full-bodied, ripe, downright sexy profile as well as ample red and blue fruits, some violet and graphite notes, ripe tannins, and a great finish. I'd be thrilled to drink this gorgeous 2023 any time over the coming 15-20 years. While I don't think 2023 is the best vintage for the second wines, this is brilliant. Barrel Sample: 92-94

- Jeb Dunnuck, 94 pts. 

A nice creamy twist of cocoa and a touch of hazelnuts to the ripe, rich dark cherries and sweet black plums. Some anise and cumin too. Juicy and structured, with medium to full body and a flavorful, succulent finish. Tight-grained. A blend of 53% cabernet sauvignon, 43% merlot and 4% petit verdot.

- James Suckling, 94 pts. 

Wafting from the glass with pure aromas of cherries, berries, plums and potpourri, the 2023 Alter Ego de Palmer is medium to full-bodied, bright and vibrant, with a vigorous core of fruit framed by supple tannins. It's a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot. Barrel Sample: 92-94

- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 94 pts. 

Gorgeous nose, so full, voluptuous, intensely aromatic, violets, blackcurrants, damsons, cherries, plums, tobacco and liquorice and cedar spice. Deep pink purple rim too. Nice weight straight away but with tension - you get clearly ripe fruit with such high acidity. Balanced, relatively lean but still juicy, certainly full and intense but streamlined ending on a real graphite and wet stone note. Slightly more lean and austere than some but not harsh, just not as fleshy as normal. It’s got body and style, nice movement and energy, a hint of fleshiness and subtle chew to the tannins. I like this, feels a real mix of ripe and cool with freshness on the finish. 3.75pH. 14% press. Barrel Sample: 93

- Decanter, 93 pts.