Pahlmeyer Chardonnay Napa Valley

 

2008

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Issue 186, December 2009
"The 2008 Chardonnay is one of the finest Chardonnays of the vintage.  Beautiful aromas of honeysuckle, brioche, white peaches, orange marmalade, and citrus blossoms soar from the glass of this light gold/green-hued wine.  A terrific texture, full-bodied mouthfeel, and hints of hazelnuts as well as honey give this cuvee lots of flesh, depth, and richness.  It should drink well for 5-8+ years.”  95 points

Wine Spectator, Web 2010
"Smooth, rich and marked by tiers of smoky, toasty oak, ripe fig, melon, honeysuckle, roasted marshmallow and hazelnut.  Full-bodied, intense and concentrated, offering a long, persistent finish that keeps gaining depth.  Drink now through 2015." –JL  93 points

 

2007

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Issue 180, December 2008
"...the 2007 Chardonnay Napa, which reveals more honeysuckle and ripe peach characteristics, a deeper, fleshier mouthfeel, and less minerality...Full-bodied with brilliant acidity, it can be consumed over the next 5-7 years."  92 points

Wine Spectator, June 30, 2009
"Aromas of fresh, ripe fig and peach join smoky, toasty oak and spicy hazelnut notes in this sleek, full-bodied style. Ends with a sweetish fig and apricot edge that's elegant and complex. Drink now through 2012." –JL  92 points

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar Issue 138, May/June 2009
"Good full yellow.  Full-blown aromas of pineapple, honeysuckle, clove, butter and smoke.  Plump and silky-sweet, with a rather exotic pina colada flavor.  All fruit on the finish, with just enough grip to maintain its shape.  A weighty, upfront wine that will probably be best over the next year or two.  This is entirely from Atlas Peak fruit.  90 points

Connoisseur's Guide to California Wine, June 2009
The new kid on the block from Pahlmeyer follows brilliantly in the footsteps laid down by its predecessors going back now more than half a decade.  It is an amazing record of achievement that is seconded by the 2006 Chardonnay also reviewed in this Issue, and it places Pahlmeyer solidly in the pantheon of outstanding Chardonnay producers in California.  This wine, if anything, is too young even to be considered for drinking.  It may have a strong, bold personality highlighted by sweet appley scents and smoky oak overlays, but it is also tight in the latter palate and has not begun to open up fully.  Lay it down for a year or three or more and drink the 2006 in the meantime.  95 points/Three Stars

Wall Street Journal, September 18, 2009
What California Chardonnay can be, with ripe, rich fruit held in such control it seems to vibrate.  Clean, focused and classy, with some mouthfeel and the most luscious roasted-lime finish, with a lingering hint of nutmeg.  World-class.  Ageable.  Delicious.   Best of tasting.