The second wine, which has gone from strength to strength over recent years, the 2012 Alter Ego de Palmer, is a blend of 51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Petit Verdot. Spicy and earthy, displaying notes of new saddle leather, roasted herbs and meaty barbecue, it is a medium-bodied, fleshy, attractive wine to drink over the next 10-12 years. 88-90 points

Tasted from a barrel sample at en primeur. A blend of 51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Petit Verdot, the first time that the latter has been used in both blends, the Alter Ego has a strong scent of Japanese nori that is quite attractive. The palate is medium-bodied with a fleshy ripe opening – brambly red berry fruit, a slight metallic note that leads to a corpulent (for the vintage) finish that bodes well for the future. 90-92 points

Beautiful dark purplish crimson. Nose of ripe fruit - a touch subdued. Juicy and melting palate, particularly voluptuous and hedonistic in the middle. Layered with generous flavors and opulent fat over refined tannins. Utterly delicious. Standard length. 90-91 points

The gap between Alter Ego and its grand vin, Château Palmer, is narrower in this vintage than one would expect. For the first time ever, both wines contain some Petit Verdot, partly to make up for the smaller percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a very forward wine. supple and scented with violet and raspberry notes, backed up by spicy plum and subtle, smoky oak. 92 points