Pahlmeyer Merlot Napa Valley 2017

Pahlmeyer Merlot Napa Valley 2017

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 petals, 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.

Critical Acclaim

97 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.

94 Vinous

The 2017 Merlot is plump, juicy and absolutely delicious. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, spice, new leather and lavender all jump from the glass as this rich, seductive Merlot shows off its alluring personality. Still recovering from its very recent bottling, 2017 needs time to bounce back – but truthfully, it is already absolutely delicious and will be very easy to enjoy with minimal cellaring.

92 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.