The 2013 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Chardonnay opens with aromas of bright citrus zest, fleshy crane melon and notes of graham cracker. The unctuous mouth feel leads with an elegant restraint and swath of slate that crescendo with flavors of fresh cider apples, juicy lychee and warming cardamom. The intense and silky finish lingers with spicy, earthy notes of white lily and lightly toasted almond.
Composition
100% Chardonnay
Vineyards
- Pahlmeyer Estate Vineyard,
- Atlas Peak Vineyard
Critics
94 Points
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, December 2015
The 2013 Chardonnay Napa displays beautiful honeysuckle, lemon oil, and hints of nectarine and poached pear, and has a Burgundian, Bâtard-Montrachet-like texture and richness. The wine is sensationally rich and once again a great success from this winery, which has had such an incredible track record for world-class Chardonnays. This should drink well for another 5-7 years, as their record for aging is brilliant.
93+ Points
Antonio Galloni, Vinous, December 2014
Pahlmeyer's 2013 Chardonnay is deep, rich and textured, with considerable phenolic weight and intensity. Just bottled, the 2013 is tightly wound at this stage, but it is nevertheless impressive. Hints of lemon peel, butter and tropical fruit meld into the rich, textured finish.
92 Points
James Laube, Wine Spectator, April 2015
Tempting scents of ripe, rich honey, honeydew, fig and baked apple are appetizing. A slight pithy citrus edge to the texture lets the flavors glide through.
Winemaking
- Winemaker:
- Kale Anderson
- Alcohol:
- 14.9%
- Harvested:
- September 11 to September 26, 2013
- Bottled:
- September 3, 2014
- Released:
- November 1, 2014
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.
