Vinous - Score: 91 (43466)

The 2016 Alter Ego, matured in around 35-40% new oak, has a forward, quite voluptuous bouquet of macerated red cherries, kirsch and hints of cassis , underneath which lies a fine graphite thread. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chewy tannin on the entry. This feels quite tarry at the moment, and dense but tightly coiled toward the grippy finish. I would have liked a little more flesh to come through. Not bad, but this year I find the Palmer to be streets ahead. 13.5% alcohol.