87 pts - Wine Advocate
The use of new oak was also cut back in order to emphasize the fruit aspects of the wine. Consequently, the 2013 Palmer is an easygoing, fruit-forward, fresh, pure wine with no vegetal characteristics or astringent tannins. This opaque purple-colored, medium-bodied, plush 2013 preserves some of its Margaux typicity even in this tough vintage. Drink it over the next decade.- Robert Parker Jr. (08/2014)
91 pts - Wine Spectator
Shows good energy, with a brambly undertow beneath the dark plum, cassis and blackberry compote flavors. The finish is lined with juniper and tobacco notes, all backed by good grip. More vivacious yet less refined than the 2013 Margaux, yet still a really nice effort. Best from 2018 through 2025. 3,800 cases made. — JM (03/2016)
92 pts - Vinous
Ruby-red; obviously much darker than the Alter Ego. Deep aromas of ripe black cherry, cedar and cocoa. Then rich, dense and suave on the palate, with an almost unctuous quality and terrific persistence to the pure blackcurrant, flint and floral flavors. Smoothly tannic and very pure, this is an absolutely memorable Palmer, especially in the context of the vintage. "A Palmer without merlot is not a Palmer," says Duroux, who chose not to eliminate too much of the merlot from the final blend; one gets the feeling all the dilute stuff went into the Alter Ego.- Ian D'Agata (05/2014)