2023 Alter Ego de Palmer

95 POINTS: The second wine of Château Palmer, the 2023 Alter Ego De Palmer is a blend of 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot that was aged 12 months in 30% new French oak barrels followed by 12 months in foudre. This deep purple-hued beauty boasts gorgeous aromatics of black cherry and blueberry fruit intermixed with graphite, crushed stone, and licorice. It's rich, full-bodied, and powerful, yet has great acidity, ripe tannins, and outstanding length. It's too good for a second wine and will cruise over the coming three decades. There are roughly 5,300 cases produced. Drink 2026-2056.