Pahlmeyer 2016 Merlot, Napa Valley

Grapes for this 2016 Merlot were sourced from Pahlmeyer Estate vineyards and Rancho Chimiles in Napa Valley. Grape clusters 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 the fermenters. The fruit underwent five days of cold maceration and two to six weeks of primary fermentation before gentle basket press. The wine aged in 85% new French oak barrels for 20 months. The final blend is 96.5% Merlot, 2.5% Malbec and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon.


James Suckling scored this 97 points saying "This super-concentrated Merlot is brimming with blueberry, bilberry and bitter-chocolate aromas. Plush tannins provide a deep and firm foundation for the rich body. Impressive now, but with the structure for long aging. Drink or hold."


Jeb Dunnuck scored this 94 points saying "Mostly estate fruit, the 2016 Merlot spent 22 months in primarily new French oak. Black cherries, smoked earth, graphite, dark chocolate, and licorice notes all emerge from this rich, full-bodied, concentrated Merlot that has subtle background oak but displays a supple, seamless balance style that’s a joy to drink."