95

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2022 Alter Ego is bright, punchy and focused. Floral notes meld into a core of red/purplish fruit, spice, mint and orange peel. Medium in body and gracious, with sublime balance, Alter Ego is superb. In fact, the 2022 is one of the most refined editions I have tasted. It is not a very typical wine for Bordeaux, but it is among the classiest and most distinctive, without a doubt. 01/2025

92

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2022 Alter Ego, bottled in late July, has a clean and precise bouquet, with touches of violet infusing the black fruit and a nose that you could describe as "cool, calm and collected." The palate is medium-bodied, stricter and more linear than expected, partly due to recent bottling. There is intensity here, a crisp texture and a very graphite-driven finish that lends it a Pauillac-like personality. 01/2025

93

William Kelley

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

The 2022 Alter Ego de Palmer is expressive, even exuberant, bursting with a sweet bouquet of ripe blackberries, minty plums and violets. Full-bodied, layered and velvety, it's suave and unctuous, with a pure, seamless profile. 03/2025

94

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

Ripe black cherries, melted chocolate, spring flowers, and violet notes all emerge from the 2022 Alter Ego, a 51% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Petit Verdot. It's a rich, voluptuous, full-bodied, unctuous second wine that has more texture and richness than just about every other second wine out there while staying beautifully balanced, layered, and elegant. I'd be thrilled with bottles in the cellar. 02/2025

95

Jean-Marc Quarin

Jean-Marc Quarin

Couleur noire. Nez intense, subtil et profond. Nuances de fruits noirs et de cerise pour la fraîcheur. Pur et beau à l'agitation du verre. Charnu à l'attaque, charnu en milieu de bouche, avec de l'éclat dans la saveur et un toucher raffiné, le vin s'étale en bouche très parfumé, savoureux, à la texture aérienne. Il finit long, profond et très gourmand. Goutez-le jeune. 02/2025

94

James Suckling

James Suckling

Opulent and rich, with luxurious, ripe blackberry and blackcurrant character. It's full-bodied and very layered, with soft, silky tannins and a long, flavorful finish. Creamy texture at the end. 51% merlot, 43% cabernet sauvignon and 6% petit verdot. This is delicious now, but will age nicely. Best after 2027. 01/2025