Friends and I tasted blind the 2007 Frei Brothers Reserve Merlot (90% Merlot; 10% Petite Sirah & Zin) and the 2007 Pahlmeyer Merlot (87% Merlot, 13% Cab). Robert Parker gave the Pahlmeyer a 96 and the Frei Brothers an 88. We did not think there was an 8 point difference in these 2 wines and would rate the Friei Brothers at least a 90. Both had chocolate/cocoa and coffee bean/espresso notes with plum & black cherry fruit. The Pahlmeyer was a bit more full bodied and opulent. With the Pahlmeyer selling for around $90, the difference in price is even greater than the difference in Parker’s ratings. NOTE: for whatever reason, Parker’s rating of the 2007 Frei Brothers Reserve Merlot is listed as a Zin, making it a bit hard to find on the Wine Advocate web site.

Style:Smooth & Supple

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