Alter Ego de Palmer 2023

Powerful, dark-fruited, blackberry, roasted notes, floral tones; compactly built, shows density, ripe fruit, fine ripe tannins, a ripe-fruited yet fresh finish. Will be enjoyable early.

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

The 2023 Alter Ego is soft, open-knit and floral, with exceptional balance and tons of class. Crushed flowers, bright red-toned fruit, blood orange, mint, chalk and white pepper are all beautifully lifted in the glass. This mid-weight, gracious Alter Ego is exceptionally vivid. All the elements are so well balanced. It's a totally sensual Alter Ego that delivers on all levels. Silky, polished contours wrap around the finish.

Deep dark ruby, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. Intense dark wild berry fruit, delicate liquorice, ripe cherry, delicate nougat caramel, a fine vanilla touch underneath. Medium complexity, red berry touch, fine tannins, cherry, salty aftertaste, a lively, stimulating food companion.

Intense blueberry bouquet, delicate violet perfume, blueberry drops and milk chocolate. On the straight, focused palate with a silky texture, ripe tannin structure, perfectly supportive tension and medium body. In the concentrated, aromatic finish, a basket of Morello cherries, tarragon and a rich core of ripe extract.

Score: 91–93. A typically dark, mysterious nose with a hint of reduction on this sample that opens to floral notes and ripe fruit (plum). Bright on the palate, it shines and sparkles like a diamond, brimming with crunchy red berries. A sunny, warm smile spreads across its face—and yours—when you taste it. Notes of mineral finesse arrive on the finish, with chalky tannins that cling to the palate.

94-96. Barrel Sample. Black fruit and pepper aromas are pronounced in this second wine of Château Palmer. It has rich, solid black fruits and powerful tannins. With its juicy acidity, the wine will develop slowly. Organic and biodynamic.