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Paloma Napa Valley Merlot 2013
Extremely limited Paloma 2013 Merlot. Get the new vintage before the ratings come out! This tiny winery on Spring Mountain rocketed from obscurity to collector status overnight when the 2001 vintage was chosen as Wine Spectator's 'No. 1 Wine in the World' and ever since has been hard to get. 94 Points Brix26: "The Merlot is once again a blend of Estate Merlot and Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. The resulting wine is a big, world-class red wine capable of improving with bottle aging for 10 to 15 years. Complex aromas of black berry fruits, black stone fruits, chocolate, tobacco, spice and floral notes with a mineral overtone. On the palate the wine has a big silky mouth feel, well balanced, with flavors of berries, fruit, cocoa, cassis, and spice, and a long spicy finish." Wine Spectator #1 Wine in the World in 2001.
Ratings on Delectable
Shay A 
I’ve been fortunate to enjoy quite a few vintages of Paloma’s merlot (which I’d argue is one of the best merlots in Napa, especially at the price), but I have to admit this 2013 had me scratching my head, wondering if it’s in a dumb phase. Long story short, I followed this out of the bottle over 6hrs and it just barely started to open at the end. Not flawed, but shockingly unyielding at roughly 10yrs old. Deep ruby in the glass with very little fading around the rim. Faint notes of dark chocolate, black cherry, bay leaf aromatically. Structure was big, as expected for 2013 mountain fruit…grippy tannins throughout. More mocha-like than espresso, and mostly red/black fruit dominated on the palate. If other bottles are like this, I’d hold another 5-7yrs. Having had the 2012, it was open for business only 5+ yrs from vintage. Based on this, no score.
I’ve been fortunate to enjoy quite a few vintages of Paloma’s merlot (which I’d argue is one of the best merlots in Napa, especially at the price), but I have to admit this 2013 had me scratching my head, wondering if it’s in a dumb phase. Long story short, I followed this out of the bottle over 6hrs and it just barely started to open at the end. Not flawed, but shockingly unyielding at roughly 10yrs old. Deep ruby in the glass with very little fading around the rim. Faint notes of dark chocolate, black cherry, bay leaf aromatically. Structure was big, as expected for 2013 mountain fruit…grippy tannins throughout. More mocha-like than espresso, and mostly red/black fruit dominated on the palate. If other bottles are like this, I’d hold another 5-7yrs. Having had the 2012, it was open for business only 5+ yrs from vintage. Based on this, no score.
Tracy Hall
Off bottle. 2 of us thought TCA was very slight but there.
Off bottle. 2 of us thought TCA was very slight but there.
Mark Flesher
Gooseberry, bramble, violets, hint of sage. This is a full-bodied Merlot. However, the middle picks up a cola note but doesn't really go to a chocolate like the 2010 and 2012 had more of a tendency to do. This one really did not have a ton of acidity nor did it really have a ton of tannin to resolve. There was definitely enough tartrate in the bottle though! I really look for this one to continue aging quite nicely for another 10 to 15 years. But oh man, this one is drinking pretty darn nice right now.
Gooseberry, bramble, violets, hint of sage. This is a full-bodied Merlot. However, the middle picks up a cola note but doesn't really go to a chocolate like the 2010 and 2012 had more of a tendency to do. This one really did not have a ton of acidity nor did it really have a ton of tannin to resolve. There was definitely enough tartrate in the bottle though! I really look for this one to continue aging quite nicely for another 10 to 15 years. But oh man, this one is drinking pretty darn nice right now.
9.4Mark Flesher
Pours just as dark and violet-tingled as all of the other Paloma merlots I've had the luck to open. However, this wine from the nose and from the entry has a lot of cherry cola notes going on. Less chocolate than the 2010 had, but the density of this wine is unmistakably present. I am really impressed by the mature quality of this merlot on the front given its youth. Soft front and middle, acidity really starts to peak more on the finish. Wine really softens with some fatty and salty foods. Has 10 years left quite easily.
Pours just as dark and violet-tingled as all of the other Paloma merlots I've had the luck to open. However, this wine from the nose and from the entry has a lot of cherry cola notes going on. Less chocolate than the 2010 had, but the density of this wine is unmistakably present. I am really impressed by the mature quality of this merlot on the front given its youth. Soft front and middle, acidity really starts to peak more on the finish. Wine really softens with some fatty and salty foods. Has 10 years left quite easily.
9.3George Yasutake
Fabulous b/c I normally don’t open this wine for another 2-3 years.
Fabulous b/c I normally don’t open this wine for another 2-3 years.
9.4
Robert Henalt
Berries. Ready now
Berries. Ready now
9.5
Janice in Livermore
Monday night at Wente. This wine is very enjoyable!
Monday night at Wente. This wine is very enjoyable!
9.4
See all reviews and ratings on Delectable WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.