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.

This is a ripe, smooth wine, impressively open and generous. Its black fruits and soft tannins allied to the smoky aroma are full of promise and richness. Drink from 2028.

This is juicy and fresh in feel, with nice energy tucked inside a core of dark cherry, pomegranate and blackberry fruit. Keeps its juicy feel through the alder- and violet-accented finish, which is nicely defined, with lingering iron and ink hints. Both accessible and cellar-worthy. Nicely done. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2035. 5,200 cases made.

Fruity and floral, the bouquet reveals a wine devoted to finesse and clarity, with a seamless harmony between freshness and ripeness. On the palate, its crisp character and structure keep the power in check and energize the whole mouthfeel. The chalky finish is mouthwatering and lingering.

Deep, intense, beautiful color. Very aromatic nose—refined, pure, fruity and subtle. Hints of cherry and licorice when the glass is swirled. Airy on the attack, silky through the mid-palate, with a classy texture; the wine melts on the palate, carried by a persistent aroma that lingers through to the finish. Fine tannins. Delicious.

Bursting with aromas of sweet cherries, berries and violets, the 2023 Alter Ego de Palmer is medium- to full-bodied, fleshy and supple, with a rich core of sweet, plummy fruit framed by ripe tannins and succulent acids. Ample and penetrating, it's an immensely charming blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and 4% Petit Verdot.

Tobacco, cedar, savory herbs, flowers, currants, cocoa, spice, and licorice pop without asking in the nose. On the palate, the wine is even better. Medium-bodied, racy, fresh, vibrant, and also loaded with fresh, vivid, black, red, and blue fruits, spice, mint, and dark chocolate. The end note lingers with the perfect blend of refreshing acidities, and lush, silky, velvety fruits. The wine is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot. 13.9% ABV, 3.75 pH. Drink from 2028-2043. 92-94 Pts.

Love the sappy, slate texture, rose bud and floral character, fennel and sage against salted cracker, spiced plum and cassis flavours, really delivering on the En Primeur character. Classic, structured and balanced, and will take a few years to unroll. September 11 harvest through to October 5, 25% new oak for ageing. 32hl/h yield.