Pahlmeyer Merlot 2002
-
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
Product Details
Your Rating
Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Blend: 96% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Made from a blend of 96% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2002 Merlot is the ultimate Merlot in terms of pure, seductive prowess. It possesses a dense purple color in addition to a gorgeous perfume of espresso roast, melted fudge, black currants, cherries and subtle smoke as well as earth, great intensity, and full-bodied opulence, in a voluptuous, juicy, unctuously textured style that cascades over the palate with no hard edges. This is haute couture of Merlot.
-
Wine Spectator
A rich, concentrated yet elegant wine, with layers of mocha, currant and blackberry fruit. Tightens up on the finish, where the tannins flex their muscles. Intensity of the oak suggests short-term cellaring.
Other Vintages
2021-
Robert
Parker
-
James
Suckling -
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator -
Jeb
Dunnuck
-
James
Suckling -
Jeb
Dunnuck
-
James
Suckling -
Jeb
Dunnuck -
Wine
Spectator -
Robert
Parker
-
James
Suckling -
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Enthusiast
-
James
Suckling -
Robert
Parker -
Tasting
Panel -
Wine
Spectator
-
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
-
James
Suckling -
Wine
Spectator -
Robert
Parker
-
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
-
Wine
Spectator
-
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
-
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
-
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Enthusiast
-
Robert
Parker
-
Connoisseurs'
Guide -
Wine
Spectator
-
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
-
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
-
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
-
Robert
Parker -
Wine
Spectator
Pahlmeyer was founded in 1986, by a desire to be great by its eponymous creator Jayson Pahlmeyer. With a dream to create a California Mouton, Jayson and his partners spared no resource to make this dream a reality. Whether it was finding the perfect piece of land high atop Napa Valley’s Atlas Peak or covertly smuggling in Bordeaux cuttings, all pieces of Pahlmeyer’s history have led to its place as one of the top brand names from Napa Valley. From the very beginning, Pahlmeyer has been dedicated to crafting fine wines from the best fruit sources possible. In California, this means high elevation mountain sites, where the grapes are afforded more sunlight, cooler temperatures, and less fertile soils, which together create ideal conditions. Pahlmeyer sources the majority of their fruit from four key locations: Pahlmeyer Estate (Atlas Peak), Stagecoach (Atlas Peak / Pritchard Hill), Rancho Chimiles, and Antica.
As Napa Valley’s third most planted grape, Napa Valley Merlot shows time and time again its potential to produce exceptional results. Napa’s vaunted combination of climate, soil and the human factor of winemaking expertise lead to big, ripe, cellar-worthy and world-class versions.
Whether made by itself in single varietal bottlings or as an important role in Bordeaux Blends, Merlot continues a prominent role in this famous region. While Cabernet typically takes the lead role, Merlot’s contribution—even at 10% to 20% or so—is significant indeed. Often described as “the flesh on Cabernet’s bones,” Merlot lends a soft, round and plush character that beautifully complements Cabernet’s linear, full-throttle structure. Its flavors of plums plus subtle herbs and mint also dovetail nicely with Cabernet’s blackberry and cassis.