2012
Pahlmeyer Chardonnay Napa Valley
“Aromas of ripe peach and summer flowers, layered with wisps of creamy lemon oil, leap out of the glass. The wine’s smooth, rich viscosity and superfine minerality carry sophisticated notes of white nectarine, pear and honeysuckle across the palette. The lingering finish reveals flavors end with a light caramel, hazelnut and hints of Key lime zest.”
— Kale Anderson, Winemaker, October 2013
100% Chardonnay
- Winemaker
- Kale Anderson
- Alcohol
- 14.9%
- Harvested Start Date
- September 12, 2012
- Harvested End Date
- October 5, 2012
- Bottled Date
- August 21, 2013
- Release Date
- December 1, 2013
Winemaking Notes
The grapes were hand-sorted and gently whole-cluster pressed. After overnight settling, the juice was racked to barrels for 100% native yeast barrel fermentation followed by malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged in 90% new French oak barrels for eleven months on the lees and stirred weekly. It was not fined or sterile filtered.
Rich and flavorful, with bold tiers of fig, apricot and honeydew melon notes, expanding and gaining depth on the finish, where this turns elegant and graceful. Drink now through 2019.
Pahlmeyer’s spectacular 2012 Chardonnay offers abundant aromas of hazelnuts, buttered citrus, tropical fruits and honeysuckle intermixed with a touch of tangerine oil. It cuts a full-bodied swath across the palate, and possesses good acidity, exuberant fruit and an undeniably sexy style. Enjoy this terrific All-American, All-Napa Valley Chardonnay over the next 4-5 years. Bravo!