There was a rough 60/40 split in terms of Palmer to Alter Ego in 2016 because it was a concentrated vintage and so suited the Palmer style - an interesting insight into how they blend. This is a little stricter than the typical Alter Ego, the pure and rich cassis fruit hitting you straight away, but the seduction comes through after a few moments in the glass, when ripe damson and grilled almonds appear. It has lovely freshness, and such a different fruit expression to the 2015 (which I tasted last week, so it's fresh in my mind). The 2015 was more generous, whereas here there's a clearer floral, violet edge. It may take a little longer than usual to really lay meat on the bones, but this is clearly going to reward patience.

A super fresh and expressive nose with a wealth of ripe red and dark plums, as well as blackberries and cassis, with subtle cedar and bracken complexity. The palate has a deeply rich, long and assertive style with a deep-set, flavorful and structured finish. Classically styled with great depth. Second wine of Château Palmer.

Blended of 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and 12% Petit Verdot, the deep garnet-purple colored 2016 Alter Ego de Palmer opens with beautifully expressive notes of black cherries, fresh blackberries and redcurrants plus suggestions of menthol, dark chocolate, cloves and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied with a rich mid-palate and stacks of exuberant black and red fruits, it has a velvety texture and fantastically long finish.

This richly structured and tannic wine offers dark fruit and ripe tannins. The second wine of Chateau Palmer, it's full of black-plum and dense berry flavors balanced by the acidity and the structure.