2017
Pahlmeyer Merlot
Our 2017 Napa Valley Merlot is a cellar-worthy wine that will age beautifully for a decade or more. The wine opens with aromas of preserved marasca cherries, rose petal, anise and a touch of soft, supple leather. The well-textured palate brings fruit-forward notes of blackberry, blueberry, raspberry and black cherry that blend seamlessly with spicy, earthy undertones of allspice, sautéed sage, black tea leaf and hints of clove before a lengthy, memorable finish.
100% Merlot
- Alcohol
- 14.9%
- Harvested Start Date
- September 8, 2017
- Harvested End Date
- February 7, 2017
- Bottled Date
- August 14, 2019
- Release Date
- March 1, 2020
Winemaking Notes
Grape clusters from our high-elevation vineyards were gravity-fed onto a vibrating table where two screens sifted out materials other than grapes, and we removed by hand any fruit that did not pass visual inspection. After gentle destemming, individual berries were hand-sorted again to ensure that only the best grapes were delivered to tanks. The fruit underwent five days of cold maceration and up to six weeks of primary fermentation before gentle basket press. We aged the wine in 100% new French oak barrels for 20 months. After careful blending of select lots, the wine was bottled in Spring 2019 for additional bottle age before release.
The 2017 Merlot, bottled at the beginning of September, delivers evocative notions of warm black plums, blackberry pie, mulberries and fruitcake with hints of tar, charcuterie, black olives and cracked black pepper. Medium-bodied, the palate practically prances with lively black fruit preserves and savory accents, framed by rounded tannins and loads of freshness, finishing long and fruity.
Blueberries, plums, dark flowers, tar and sandalwood on the nose. It’s full-bodied and creamy with supple tannins. Polished and rich, yet so fresh and balanced. Smooth, firm and flavorful. Caressing finish. Plush 2017 character. Drink or hold.
