Pahlmeyer

Napa Valley Merlot

9.231 ratings
9.34 pro ratings
Napa Valley, California, USA
Merlot
Beef, Venison, Salami & Prosciutto, Chili & Hot Spicy, Potato, Exotic Spices, Lamb, White Rice, Baking Spices, Herbs, Pasta, Chicken, Mushrooms, Pungent Cheese, Turkey, Tomato-Based, Soft Cheese, Pork, Beans & Peas, Hard Cheese, Duck, Onion, Shallot, Garlic
Top Notes For
Greg Ballington

Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog

9.3

Last of our seven year (9) vertical tonight....Scratch that the 2014 and the 2003 came out too.

Deep and dark ruby red. Lovely nose with baking spices, purple flowers and black berries. Heavy tannins (8/10) and full bodied. Rich palate with coconut, black fruits, and spices. Long and lingering finish. Drink till 2033.

Last of our seven year (9) vertical tonight....Scratch that the 2014 and the 2003 came out too.

Deep and dark ruby red. Lovely nose with baking spices, purple flowers and black berries. Heavy tannins (8/10) and full bodied. Rich palate with coconut, black fruits, and spices. Long and lingering finish. Drink till 2033.

Feb 9th, 2018
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

For me, wine of the tasting. @ Pebble Beach Food & Wine.

For me, wine of the tasting. @ Pebble Beach Food & Wine.

Apr 23rd, 2017
Chris Ilias

Delicious blackberry, currant, and black licorice notes with chocolate and cedar finish

Delicious blackberry, currant, and black licorice notes with chocolate and cedar finish

Jun 10th, 2021
Mark Flesher

As a wine, this one is a 93. As a Merlot, 85 at best. This is the most varietally incorrect Merlot I've ever had. All previous CT tastings perhaps with exception to 1 or 2 describe a red fruited cabernet. If served next to a Mascot Cab with about 5 or 7 years of age, I could trick everyone into thinking this was another year's offering. Dark red pour violet to the rim. Nose of sweet red cherry liqueur. Entry is full bodied, spicy, good acidity. Middle of this wine has a hint of cola, pepper finish. The only hint of Merlot is that this one did have a little bit of mushroom and some herbaceousness show after a couple of hours. But still would never have guessed Merlot here. Delightful wine nevertheless.

As a wine, this one is a 93. As a Merlot, 85 at best. This is the most varietally incorrect Merlot I've ever had. All previous CT tastings perhaps with exception to 1 or 2 describe a red fruited cabernet. If served next to a Mascot Cab with about 5 or 7 years of age, I could trick everyone into thinking this was another year's offering. Dark red pour violet to the rim. Nose of sweet red cherry liqueur. Entry is full bodied, spicy, good acidity. Middle of this wine has a hint of cola, pepper finish. The only hint of Merlot is that this one did have a little bit of mushroom and some herbaceousness show after a couple of hours. But still would never have guessed Merlot here. Delightful wine nevertheless.

Feb 5th, 2019
Christopher Fedorchak

One of the better Merlots out there. boisterous black cherry flavors, supple tannins, and chocolatey finish.

One of the better Merlots out there. boisterous black cherry flavors, supple tannins, and chocolatey finish.

Nov 21st, 2018
Matthew Cohen

Green nose. Sweet fruit.

Green nose. Sweet fruit.

Nov 19th, 2018
Alfonso Mora

Big bad Napa Valley Merlot, close to perfect

Big bad Napa Valley Merlot, close to perfect

Feb 12th, 2018
Hans T
8.4

2014. Rather sweet, slightly thin, nothing offputting. Gift.

2014. Rather sweet, slightly thin, nothing offputting. Gift.

Jan 30th, 2018
Jeff

VRSN 2017 holiday party

VRSN 2017 holiday party

Dec 3rd, 2017
Peggy Hadley

Oh and btw you can have the “rock, paper, scissors “ sculpture for $2000.

Oh and btw you can have the “rock, paper, scissors “ sculpture for $2000.

Nov 16th, 2017