Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Merlot
2008
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate #186, December 2009:
“One of the few world-class Merlots in Napa Valley has always come from Pahlmeyer, and the 2008 looks to be no exception. Inky purple-colored, the wine offers up chocolatey espresso/mocha/cocoa notes as well as plenty of plum, black cherry and blacker fruits. Medium to full-bodied, with silky tannins, surprising elegance, and good richness…it is very stylish and should drink well for 10-15 years.” 91 points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 2011
Good deep red-ruby. Blackberry and licorice aromas perked up by violet and spices. Juicy and moderately deep, with dark fruit flavors complicated by tobacco and cedar. Not a fat style for this bottling but boasts a solid acid/tannin spine and very good balance--not to mention fruit intensity. 92 points
2007
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate # 186, December 2009
“One of the finest Merlots being made in Napa… This sumptuous wine offers beautiful melted chocolate, cocoa, and espresso notes intermixed with black cherry, plum, fig, and blackberry fruit. This opulent, full-bodied, sexy, prodigious California Merlot should give Kapcsandy’s Roberta’s Reserve a run for its money over the next 15-20 years.” 96 points
Wine Spectator June 15, 2010
"A dense, powerful core is wrapped inside a plush and velvety exterior, with currant and espresso aromas. Delivers layered flavors of plum, grilled rosemary and cedar, finishing with firm but ripe tannins. Best from 2011 through 2015. Tasted twice, with consistent notes." –TF 94 points
2006
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate # 180, December 2008
"Pahlmeyer's Merlot was the uncontested top California Merlot for many years, but significant competition has emerged from the upstart Kapcsandy Estate in Yountville. However, Pahlmeyer's offering remains one of the classic examples of just how great Merlot can be in Napa. The 2006 Merlot (89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon) exhibits sweet chocolate, mocha, cola, black cherry, and plum aromas and flavors as well as full body, a sumptuous, dense texture, and no hard edges. The beautifully integrated acidity, tannin, and wood result in a hedonistic, mouthfilling, luscious Merlot to consume over the next 10-15 years." 94 points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar, May/June 2009
"Full ruby-red. Black raspberry, licorice, truffle, shoe polish and a note of black olive on the nose. Sweet, lush and plump, with expressive flavors of black plum syrup, dark chocolate, mocha and truffle. This boasts a solid middle ("the addition of some cabernet adds weight and fills out the palate," notes winemaker Green) to support its substantial ripe tannins. Finishes with dark fruits and earth. This has turned out very well." 92 points