Pahlmeyer 2015 Merlot, Napa Valley

Produced under the discerning eye of Jayson Pahlmeyer the grapes for this 2015 Merlot were all sourced from his estate vineyards in Napa Valley. Grape clusters were gravity-fed onto a vibrating table where two screens sifted out materials other than grapes, and any fruit that did not pass visual inspection was removed by hand. After gentle destemming, individual berries were hand-sorted again to ensure that only the best grapes were delivered to the fermenters. The fruit underwent five days of cold maceration and two to six weeks of primary fermentation before gentle basket press. The final belend is 96.5% Merlot, 2.5% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine aged in 85% new Seguin Moreau Icone and Taransaud French Oak barrels for 20 months. Robert Parker scored the barrel sample 93-95 points saying "There are few truly profound Merlots being made in California, but Pahlmeyer has consistently made some of the best. This is a big, fleshy, rather hefty and chewy style of Merlot with loads of chocolate, blackberry, cassis, extraordinary opulence, voluptuous texture (as you might expect) and terrific ripeness without going over the edge. This should drink well young, but age effortlessly for 20-25 years." Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored this 95 points saying "Hugely concentrated and a touch reduced, this is a lovely, generously full-bodied wine, rich as a dark-cherry cobbler in flavor. The barrel oak is pronounced and supportive of the wine's seasonings of black pepper, violet and plum. The ripeness and richness are profound, met by a structure that suggest further cellaring; enjoy best 2025–2030. " James Suckling scored this 96 points saying "Aromas of blackberries, violets and dark fruits. Very aromatic. Full-bodied, round-textured and very balanced with both firmness and freshness. Energetic at the end. Drink or hold."