Paloma
Napa Valley Merlot
Napa Valley, California, USA
I’ve been fortunate to enjoy quite a few vintages of Paloma’s merlot (which I’d argue is one of the best merlots in Napa, especially at the price), but I have to admit this 2013 had me scratching my head, wondering if it’s in a dumb phase.
Long story short, I followed this out of the bottle over 6hrs and it just barely started to open at the end. Not flawed, but shockingly unyielding at roughly 10yrs old. Deep ruby in the glass with very little fading around the rim. Faint notes of dark chocolate, black cherry, bay leaf aromatically. Structure was big, as expected for 2013 mountain fruit…grippy tannins throughout. More mocha-like than espresso, and mostly red/black fruit dominated on the palate. If other bottles are like this, I’d hold another 5-7yrs. Having had the 2012, it was open for business only 5+ yrs from vintage.
Based on this, no score.
I’ve been fortunate to enjoy quite a few vintages of Paloma’s merlot (which I’d argue is one of the best merlots in Napa, especially at the price), but I have to admit this 2013 had me scratching my head, wondering if it’s in a dumb phase.
Long story short, I followed this out of the bottle over 6hrs and it just barely started to open at the end. Not flawed, but shockingly unyielding at roughly 10yrs old. Deep ruby in the glass with very little fading around the rim. Faint notes of dark chocolate, black cherry, bay leaf aromatically. Structure was big, as expected for 2013 mountain fruit…grippy tannins throughout. More mocha-like than espresso, and mostly red/black fruit dominated on the palate. If other bottles are like this, I’d hold another 5-7yrs. Having had the 2012, it was open for business only 5+ yrs from vintage.
Based on this, no score.
Off bottle. 2 of us thought TCA was very slight but there.
Off bottle. 2 of us thought TCA was very slight but there.
May 6th, 2018Gooseberry, bramble, violets, hint of sage. This is a full-bodied Merlot. However, the middle picks up a cola note but doesn't really go to a chocolate like the 2010 and 2012 had more of a tendency to do. This one really did not have a ton of acidity nor did it really have a ton of tannin to resolve. There was definitely enough tartrate in the bottle though! I really look for this one to continue aging quite nicely for another 10 to 15 years. But oh man, this one is drinking pretty darn nice right now.
Gooseberry, bramble, violets, hint of sage. This is a full-bodied Merlot. However, the middle picks up a cola note but doesn't really go to a chocolate like the 2010 and 2012 had more of a tendency to do. This one really did not have a ton of acidity nor did it really have a ton of tannin to resolve. There was definitely enough tartrate in the bottle though! I really look for this one to continue aging quite nicely for another 10 to 15 years. But oh man, this one is drinking pretty darn nice right now.
Oct 18th, 2018Pours just as dark and violet-tingled as all of the other Paloma merlots I've had the luck to open. However, this wine from the nose and from the entry has a lot of cherry cola notes going on. Less chocolate than the 2010 had, but the density of this wine is unmistakably present. I am really impressed by the mature quality of this merlot on the front given its youth. Soft front and middle, acidity really starts to peak more on the finish. Wine really softens with some fatty and salty foods. Has 10 years left quite easily.
Pours just as dark and violet-tingled as all of the other Paloma merlots I've had the luck to open. However, this wine from the nose and from the entry has a lot of cherry cola notes going on. Less chocolate than the 2010 had, but the density of this wine is unmistakably present. I am really impressed by the mature quality of this merlot on the front given its youth. Soft front and middle, acidity really starts to peak more on the finish. Wine really softens with some fatty and salty foods. Has 10 years left quite easily.
Sep 1st, 2018Fabulous b/c I normally don’t open this wine for another 2-3 years.
Fabulous b/c I normally don’t open this wine for another 2-3 years.
May 31st, 2018
Monday night at Wente. This wine is very enjoyable!
Monday night at Wente. This wine is very enjoyable!
Apr 4th, 2017
