Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Merlot 2017

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Pahlmeyer
Label Name:
 
Napa Valley Merlot
Vintage:
 
2017
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
Napa Valley
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
14.9%
Grape(s):
 
Merlot
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
3
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
James Suckling 97; Vinous 94; Wine Spectator 94; The Wine Advocate 93; Jeb Dunnuck 92

Tasting Note
Plush black cherry, blackberry and blueberry with preserved marasca cherry, rose petal and soft leather; layered with allspice, sage, black tea and clove. Creamy texture, supple tannins and a long, spicy finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roast lamb, grilled ribeye, mushroom risotto, braised short ribs, aged cheddar. Asian: Peking duck, char siu (BBQ pork), beef bulgogi, teriyaki chicken, miso-glazed eggplant.

Production Method
High-elevation fruit gravity-fed, double hand-sorted (clusters and individual berries), five days cold maceration, up to six weeks primary fermentation, gentle basket press; aged 20 months in 100% new French oak, bottled 2019.

Vineyard Info
Founded by Jayson Pahlmeyer in the 1980s; this bottling sources Waters Ranch and Rancho Chimiles. Pahlmeyer is known for concentrated, Bordeaux-style Napa wines; the Pahlmeyer brand was sold in 2019 while continuing to source Waters Ranch.