Alter Ego de Palmer 2010 (Pre-Arrival)

"An equal-part blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2010 Alter Ego represents 50% of the crop at Palmer. It has been an interesting second wine to take note of ever since the first vintage in 1998. The 2010 displays loads of chocolaty espresso notes, with plenty of punch, glycerin and unctuosity as well as some tannin like its bigger sister, but it is clearly meant to be drinkable at a much earlier age. It will still require several years of cellaring and should last 12-15 years. There’s no question that Thomas Duroux and the staff at Palmer are producing wines of first-growth quality, and have been for nearly a decade." - Robert Parker Jr., The Wine Advocate (2/27/2013, Issue 205), Ratings: 91, Drink: 2013-2028

 "The 2010 Alter Ego De Palmer is a beauty. Made from close to an even split of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (from 50% of the total crop), it offers a deep purple color as well as a smoky, chocolatey style in is cassis, espresso and tobacco aromas and flavors. Big, rich and loaded with fruit and texture, it’s still a baby, with ripe, sweet tannin, yet certainly offers ample pleasure. Drink it any time over the coming 15-20 years." - Jeb Dunnuck, Jebdunnuck.com, Rating: 92, Maturity: 2015-2037