2011
Pahlmeyer Chardonnay Napa Valley
“Tantalizing and sophisticated, the 2011 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay offers rich aromas of toasted graham cracker, caramelized peach and lychee, and hints of tarragon and lavender. Notes of lemon zest, a touch of fresh cream and alluring acidity present a luscious composition. Beautifully balanced, with a cleansing finish, this wine will age elegantly for years.”
— Kale Anderson, Winemaker, April 2012
100% Chardonnay
- Winemaker
- Erin Green
- Alcohol
- 14.9%
- Harvested Start Date
- September 24, 2011
- Harvested End Date
- October 20, 2011
- Bottled Date
- August 21, 2012
- Release Date
- April 29, 2013
Winemaking Notes
The grapes were hand-sorted and gently whole-cluster pressed. After overnight settling, the juice was racked to barrels for 100% native yeast barrel fermentation followed by malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged in 90% new French oak barrels for eleven months on the lees and stirred weekly. It was not fined or sterile filtered.
The 2011 Chardonnay is gorgeous. Layers of lemon pastry, juicy peaches, butter and spices take shape in the glass. The 2011 is a bit restrained for Pahlmeyer, but all the elements are very nicely woven together. There is plenty of varietal character and house style, but in a slightly more reserved way than readers have become accustomed to over the years, mostly because of the cool growing season. This is a beautiful and classy wine through and through.
Clean and vibrant, with a spicy, flinty edge to the citrus and green apple notes, this gains depth and persistence on the finish, where the flavors fan out. Best from 2014 through 2022.
