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Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Merlot 2013
The Pahlmeyer 2013 Merlot Napa Valley is one of the finest Merlots produced in California. Highly collectible. Very limited.93 Points Robert Parker: "The 2013 Merlot (15.2% alcohol, along the lines of 2012) has a vivid black cherry nose and blue fruits in the background. One can see the greatness of this vintage in its purity, inky/purple color and wonderful freshness aligned to great ripeness. Wow, this should turn out to be quite special. 92 Points Wine Spectator: "Plump and silky, with a luxurious texture and a lingering finish framed by rich flavors of black cherry, mocha, dusty herb and spicy oak. Tannins ease in on the finish. Drink now through 2024."
Ratings on Delectable
Chris McClellan 
Soft, velvety chocolate, dark ripe berries, sweet espresso and vanilla. Easy to drink and delicious..
Soft, velvety chocolate, dark ripe berries, sweet espresso and vanilla. Easy to drink and delicious..
9.2
Shay A
Monthly WTF group. Theme this month was merlot. All wines tasted blind. Probably my WOTN. I guessed Napa merlot between 2012-2014. Really benefited from being decanted as it changed quite a bit. At first, it had some leather and herbal aromatics but after a while, it turned to more dark fruit and nutmeg. Very soft and round on the palate showing mocha and baked plums. Very enjoyable, but give it a decant if popping soon. Thanks @Weston Eidson
Monthly WTF group. Theme this month was merlot. All wines tasted blind. Probably my WOTN. I guessed Napa merlot between 2012-2014. Really benefited from being decanted as it changed quite a bit. At first, it had some leather and herbal aromatics but after a while, it turned to more dark fruit and nutmeg. Very soft and round on the palate showing mocha and baked plums. Very enjoyable, but give it a decant if popping soon. Thanks @Weston Eidson
9.4
Patrick Derdeyn
A real cab drinkers merlot. Rich and lush, Cranked up to 15.2% but incredibly well balanced. Reminds me of the style of big paso wines, such big fruit but balanced by great acidity.
A real cab drinkers merlot. Rich and lush, Cranked up to 15.2% but incredibly well balanced. Reminds me of the style of big paso wines, such big fruit but balanced by great acidity.
9.3
Andrew S
Deep, plush merlot which is drinking wonderfully already. Very soft and round and voluptuous in structure. Loads of dark berry fruit. Hints of coffee/cocoa. Had at the end of the evening, and fit very nicely there after several great bottles were opened with dinner. Thanks for hosting @Steven Aviles
Deep, plush merlot which is drinking wonderfully already. Very soft and round and voluptuous in structure. Loads of dark berry fruit. Hints of coffee/cocoa. Had at the end of the evening, and fit very nicely there after several great bottles were opened with dinner. Thanks for hosting @Steven Aviles
9.3
Matt
Plush, rich, yet balanced by its muscular structure. Very deep and concentrated nose, palate is impactful and carries plenty of gras up front with breadth. Purple, round, weighty but just a joy to drink on xmas eve.
Plush, rich, yet balanced by its muscular structure. Very deep and concentrated nose, palate is impactful and carries plenty of gras up front with breadth. Purple, round, weighty but just a joy to drink on xmas eve.
9.1
Greg Ballington
Co-Founder of Millennial Drinkers Wine Blog
Seventh of our seven year vertical tonight....Scratch that the 2014 and the 2003 came out too. Deep ruby red. Notes of vanilla, gravel, cassis and floral herbs. Medium plus tannins (7.5/10) and full bodied. A touch of coconut on the palate with some dark cocoa, cassis, blackberries and crushed gravel. Quite dry and long finish. Drink till 2028. (91+)
Seventh of our seven year vertical tonight....Scratch that the 2014 and the 2003 came out too. Deep ruby red. Notes of vanilla, gravel, cassis and floral herbs. Medium plus tannins (7.5/10) and full bodied. A touch of coconut on the palate with some dark cocoa, cassis, blackberries and crushed gravel. Quite dry and long finish. Drink till 2028. (91+)
9.1Steven Sarkisian
Amazing wine for one as young as this, it tastes like a wine 10 yrs older. 95 merlot, 4% cab and 1% petit Verdot. Intense color and concentrated flavors, this red is pretty stellar. The wine maker suggests this wine can be aged for 20 years.
Amazing wine for one as young as this, it tastes like a wine 10 yrs older. 95 merlot, 4% cab and 1% petit Verdot. Intense color and concentrated flavors, this red is pretty stellar. The wine maker suggests this wine can be aged for 20 years.
9.8
WC Fields
Great aromatics with layers of plums and blueberries. Decant did this nicely
Great aromatics with layers of plums and blueberries. Decant did this nicely
9.2
William Feinstein
Patience has been rewarded. Still a big, fruit forward wine but the tannins have been well integrated. Blueberry, plum, cherry and dark chocolate dominate the palate. Great stuff. Should continue to drink well for 5+ years.
Patience has been rewarded. Still a big, fruit forward wine but the tannins have been well integrated. Blueberry, plum, cherry and dark chocolate dominate the palate. Great stuff. Should continue to drink well for 5+ years.
9.3
Eric
Big, modern, varietally correct. A top Domestic Merlot IMO.
Big, modern, varietally correct. A top Domestic Merlot IMO.
9.3
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