2010
Pahlmeyer Merlot
Regal dark purple in hue, our 2010 Merlot offers silky aromas of violets and mountain boysenberry with hints of cinnamon and clove. A firm, structured core promises superb aging, while the wine’s rich, layered flavors and sensuous finish make it hard to resist now.
89% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot
- Winemaker
- Erin Green
- Alcohol
- 15.2%
- Harvested Start Date
- October 1, 2010
- Harvested End Date
- October 16, 2010
- Bottled Date
- April 24, 2012
- Release Date
- February 4, 2013
Winemaking Notes
The grape clusters were hand-sorted, and once de-stemmed, the berries were sorted again by hand on the way to tank. After four to five days of pre-fermentation cold maceration in small open-top fermentors, the fruit began 100% native yeast fermentation. Two to three weeks later, the fruit was gently pressed and moved to barrel where it finished primary and secondary fermentations. The wine continued to age in 80% new French oak – a combination of Taransaud and St. Martin barrels – for eighteen months. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
A firm core of tannins provides the underlying structure for the 2010 Merlot. This juicy, dark, yet wonderfully sophisticated and polished wine impresses for its balance and overall sense of harmony. Hugely promising. Layers of fruit flow effortlessly to the long, voluptuous finish.
Deep and powerful, but still tightly wound. Aromas of red currant, tomato leaf and vanilla lead to rich but firm black raspberry, Asian spice and mineral flavors. Best from 2015 through 2020.
