2021 Alter Ego de Palmer

The 2021 Alter Ego is a bright, savory wine driven by Cabernet Sauvignon from light, sandy soils. Intensely aromatic, the Alter Ego is a bit clenched today, but that should not be an issue in a few years' time. Dark red plum, mocha, new leather, spice and cedar build in the glass, lifted by bright acids and a kick of blood orange that adds vibrancy.

- Antonio Galloni (12/2023)

This bright wine has very pretty fruit, with al dente blackcurrants as well as minerals and clove-like spices. Medium body, crunchy and minerally. Vivid with some iodine too. Drinkable already but better in a couple of years. (07/2024)

The 2021 Château Palmer Alter Ego is 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot that was aged 12 months in barrel followed by 12 months in foudre. It's another smoking good second wine from this château that has a deep ruby/purple hue to go with perfumed red, blue, and black fruits as well as an incredibly floral character in its leafy herb and graphite aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, supple, elegant, and silky on the palate, it's an impressive Margaux to drink over the coming 15 years. (04/2024)

The 2021 Alter Ego has a deep purple-black color. It springs from the glass with zippy scents of Bing cherries, juicy raspberries, and redcurrants, leading to wafts of lavender and bay leaves. The light to medium-bodied palate is elegant and refreshing, with crunchy red fruit, finishing with a skip in its step. (04/2024)

Offers a good, albeit light-bodied, core of black cherry compote, while black tea, anise and violet notes hang in the background. The finish is relatively gentle, with just a wisp of cedary grain. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2026. 6,000 cases made.

- J.M.

Bursting with aromas of blackberries, mint, violets and pencil shavings, the 2021 Alter Ego de Palmer is medium to full-bodied, rich and layered, with impressive density and ripeness for the vintage, its deep core of fruit framed by sweet, powdery tannin. Like the grand vin, it's a very strong effort this year.

- William Kelley (02/2024)