Palmer’s 2012 Alter Ego (51% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and 9% Petit Verdot), offers up plenty of blackberry and crème de cassis notes along with some spring flowers, licorice and subtle background oak. Opulently textured, full-bodied and stunning, this is an outrageously successful second wine to drink over the next 12-15 years.

Shows good energy, with a lively savory note, a bright iron streak and enticing damson plum, black cherry and red currant fruit. Everything knits through the finish, suggesting this should be able to handle modest cellaring.