Castle Palmer - Alter Ego

Jamessuckling.com

90 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/15/2016

This is delicious and more-ish on the nose and palate with plum and chocolate aromas and flavors. Medium to full body with silky tannins. Juicy aftertaste. Drink now.

Wine Advocate

81-84 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe8/29/2014

The second wine, the 2013 Alter Ego de Palmer (7,500 cases produced), is composed of 46% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot. It reveals more acidity as well as a more lean, austere character in addition to a deep ruby/purple color. The tannins and tart acids are noticeable. It should be consumed over the next 3-6 years.

Palmer’s administrator, Thomas Duroux, realized that 2013 was going to be a year requiring huge amounts of labor and a draconian-like selection. Only 3,800 cases of 2013 Palmer were produced from a blend of 49% Merlot and 51% Cabernet Sauvignon.

matthewjukes.com

16 / 20

byMatthew Jukesthe4/23/2014

(46 Cabernet Sauvignon, 46 Merlot, 8 Petit Verdot) Only 7000 cases made. Very smooth, dark and tight and quite refreshing and bright on the back palate. Not bad weight and the oak seems to be under control - if anything it adds tang rather than oakiness. Clean, fairly long and javelin-shaped this is a slender and balanced wine with decent appeal and it will drink soon.

Jancis Robinson

17 / 20

byRichard Hemmingsthe4/22/2014

46% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petit Verdot. 15% new oak. Really rich and pure fruit. Fantastic perfume – really firing on all cylinders. Very impressive scent. The palate delivers wonderful balance too – there is no lack of body or greenness whatsoever. Neither is there the great length and complexity of the most lauded vintages. This is undoubtedly a good 2013, however.

Vinous

88-90 / 100

byAntonio Gallonithe4/17/2014

Red cherry jam, raspberries, white flowers and spices flesh out on the 2013 Alter Ego. A juicy, succulent wine, the Alter Ego offers lovely up-front fruit married to the bright, lively acidity of the year. Sweet floral notes reappear on the lifted finish. This is a very pretty, feminine wine with plenty of near-term appeal. There is a lot to like here. The blend is 48% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot.

My Bettane + Desseauve

16,5 / 20

the4/15/2014

Belle robe violacée, chair remarquable, grandes sensations tactiles, tannin fin, grande suite en bouche, étonnant.

Wine Advocate

86-88 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/15/2014

The 2013 Alter Ego de Palmer is a blend of 46% Merlot, 46% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot. It has a well-defined bouquet with quite vivacious, lush red and black fruit, hints of cassis and iodine permeating through. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity. This is a light Alter Ego, but quite tensile, though it is missing some persistency towards the finish.

Decanter.com

16,5 / 20

bySteven Spurrierthe4/14/2014

Deep red, firm fruit and firm tannins, precise, structured a serious wine

Jamessuckling.com

88-89 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/8/2014

A firm, juicy wine with a black-pepper and berry character. Medium body with firm tannins and a fresh finish. More cabernet and petit verdot in this than normal.

Wine Spectator

87-90 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/3/2014

Shows macerated black currant and blackberry notes, with dark charcoal and bay leaf lining the finish. This has good flesh and drive, if just a bit short on depth overall. Tasted non-blind. —J.M.

Wine Enthusiast

90-92 / 100

byRoger Vossthe3/31/2014

While the wood is currently forward, what is attractive about this wine is its fresh and fruity character. It has bright acidity, deep black-currant flavors and good freshness, with just an undertow of tannin.