Winemaker Notes
Pahlmeyer 2017 Napa Valley Merlot is a cellar-worthy wine that will age beautifully for a decade or more. The wine opens with aromas of preserved marasca cherries, rose petal, anise and a touch of soft, supple leather. The well-textured palate brings fruit-forward notes of blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and black cherry that blend seamlessly with spicy, earthy undertones of allspice, sautéed sage, black tea leaf and hints of clove before a lengthy, memorable finish.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Blueberries, plums, dark flowers, tar and sandalwood on the nose. It’s full-bodied and creamy with supple tannins. Polished and rich, yet so fresh and balanced. Smooth, firm and flavorful. Caressing finish. Plush 2017 character. Drink or hold.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Coming mostly from the estate on Atlas Peak, the 2017 Merlot has a ripe, sexy bouquet of black cherry and blackberry fruit as well as lots of chocolate, toasty oak, graphite, and crushed flowers. Rich and full-bodied, it has fine tannins, beautiful balance, and enough structure to warrant short-term cellaring.
Rating: 92(+)
As Napa Valley’s third most planted grape, Napa Valley Merlot shows time and time again its potential to produce exceptional results. Napa’s vaunted combination of climate, soil and the human factor of winemaking expertise lead to big, ripe, cellar-worthy and world-class versions.
Whether made by itself in single varietal bottlings or as an important role in Bordeaux Blends, Merlot continues a prominent role in this famous region. While Cabernet typically takes the lead role, Merlot’s contribution—even at 10% to 20% or so—is significant indeed. Often described as “the flesh on Cabernet’s bones,” Merlot lends a soft, round and plush character that beautifully complements Cabernet’s linear, full-throttle structure. Its flavors of plums plus subtle herbs and mint also dovetail nicely with Cabernet’s blackberry and cassis.