Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Merlot 2021

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Pahlmeyer
Label Name:
 
Napa Valley Merlot
Vintage:
 
2021
Country:
 
United States
Region:
 
Napa Valley
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
15.1%
Grape(s):
 
Merlot
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
James Suckling 98 points; Wine Advocate (Robert Parker) 95; The Wine Independent 93–95; International Wine Review 95. Listed as James Suckling's Top U. S. Wine of 2024

Tasting Note
Rich, full-bodied Merlot with blackberry, cassis, black plum, and boysenberry, underscored by cedar, leather, sage and cacao. Polished, powdery tannins and long, savory finish.

Food Pairing
Roast lamb, grilled ribeye, mushroom risotto, beef short ribs; Asian: Korean BBQ (bulgogi), char siu, Peking duck, hoisin-glazed meats; aged cheeses and savory mushroom dishes.

Production Method
Hand-harvested, hand-sorted and destemmed; 18 days maceration; free-run aged separately; 18 months in ~89%–90% new French oak before bottling.

Vineyard Info
Founded by Jayson Pahlmeyer (1986); fruit from Waters Ranch (estate) and Stagecoach Vineyard. Brand sold to E. & J. Gallo in 2019; winemaking led by Katie Vogt for this release.