2011 Alter Ego de Palmer (Margaux)

The draconian selection process has resulted in a delicious second wine, the 2011 Alter Ego de Palmer. It boasts plenty of plum, black cherry and black currant fruit intermixed with hints of vanillin and earth. Medium-bodied and supple, it can be drunk early on, but should evolve for 15 or more years. Drink now-2020. 89 points

Bright glossy purple. Fresh scents of fruit on the nose. Soft, pulpy, mid-weight palate. I expected more sap on the mid-palate but it is true to say that hail hit the estate in June. Lovely expression of fruit on finish, which shows the cru is likely to gain range at the elevage. 87 points

The 2011 has a precocious bouquet that has forgotten that this is supposed to be 2011 and not 2009. layers of sweet macerated dark cherries, blueberry and minerals. One can really sense that Petit Verdot. The palate is medium-bodied with tensile tannins on the entry. It has good acidity and weight, firm grip towards the finish. 90-92 point