Palmer Margaux Alter Ego 2019

96 points James Suckling: "Intense aromas of blackcurrants, cedar and ripe tobacco with hints of violets, following through to a full-bodied palate with extremely refined tannins that are well-integrated into the wine and are long and subtle at the finish. Such precision and harmony with structure. From biodynamically grown grapes. Best after 2023. (11/11/21)"

95 points Georgina Hindle (Decanter): "Gorgeous rich dark purple in the glass. Quite jammy and concentrated on the nose, heady and perfumed with a lovely delicate florality to it too. Great freshness on the palate, juicy but a dark blackcurrant and cherry fruit juice. Beautifully balanced with integrated tannins and oak. Well defined fruit, generous and quite abundant against softly grippy, velvety tannins that just give support to the overall frame. It's serious but with a lightness of touch and playfulness - energetic and lively but still with depth. A great Alter Ego and confident winemaking on show. Drinking Window: 2027-2043. (1/5/22)"

95 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Dark ruby, purple reflections, subtle edge brightening. Fine black berry fruit, nuances of cinnamon and oak, ripe heart cherry and notes of orange marmalade are in the background. Complex, juicy and elegant, finesse-rich structure, well-integrated tannins, salty minerality on the finish, has great freshness, sure development and certain ageing potential, but can already be drunk. Ten years ago, this would have been the quality of the Grand Vins ... (2025-2040). (2/23/22)"

94 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2019 Alter Ego de Palmer is delineated and focused on the nose with blackberry, cedar and graphite scents. More austere yet still complex and one with the most cerebral Margaux aromatics. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, quite saline and peppery, firm and insistent grip with quiet assertive tannins on the finish. A Margaux that should be given a long-term lease in your cellar. Tasted blind at the Southwold annual tasting. Drink: 2028-2055. (Feb 2023)"

94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The second wine of Château Palmer, the 2019 Alter Ego De Palmer is rock-solid and reveals a dense purple hue as well as deep, rich, concentrated aromas and flavors of ripe black cherries, blackcurrants, tobacco, graphite, and chocolate. It might be the richest, most concentrated second wine out here, and truthfully, it tastes like a Grand Vin. Medium to full-bodied, layered, and textured, it has ripe tannins, a fleshy, mouth-filling texture, and a great finish. It's beautifully done. (4/11/22)"

94 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "The 2019 Alter Ego from Palmer is deep garnet-purple in color. It has a profound nose of crème de cassis, plum preserves, tar, and star anise, followed by hints of wild sage, cedar chest, and graphite. The medium-bodied palate reveals finely grained tannins and compelling freshness to match the intense, nuanced fruit layers, finishing long and vibrant. (5/1/23)"