2003
Pahlmeyer Merlot
97% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winemaker
- Erin Green
- Alcohol
- 15.1%
- Harvested Start Date
- September 17, 2003
- Harvested End Date
- October 14, 2003
- Bottled Date
- August 26, 2005
- Release Date
- February 1, 2006
Winemaking Notes
The grapes were given a five-day cold soak before fermentation, fermented on their own natural yeast, and aged nineteen months in 100% new French oak barrels. The wine was bottled with neither fining nor filtration.
The 2003 Merlot is one of the top three or four Merlots in California. A huge nose of melted chocolate, roasted coffee, black cherry, and charcoal jumps from the glass of this full-bodied, opulent, sexy Merlot. It is a delicious, savory, heady wine.
Bright ruby-red. Black cherry, blackberry, dark chocolate and menthol on the aromatic nose. Softer and lusher in style than the comparatively dense and more primary 2004, with flavors of dark raspberry, licorice and dark chocolate. Nicely supple merlot, with harmonious acidity and slightly elevated tannins.
Appealing for its broad display of fruitiness, with cherry cola, cherry candy and black cherry fruit that’s well-centered, turning supple at midpalate yet firming up on the finish.
