Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Merlot 1997

Ratings on Delectable

"Odedi" Delectable Pro

It is time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday. Let's bring Merlot back! Deep ruby in color with a wide reddish /brick rim. Full bodied with medium acidity and long legs. Dry on the palate with nice complexity and mouthfeel. Showing blackberries, black currants, plums, earth, cedar, leather, chocolates, tobacco, mildew, light vinaigrette and black pepper. Long finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries. This 25 year old Merlot is a tad tired, but still very enjoyable. I've had this Merlot before, but it was a more recent vintage. I have a feeling it's this specific bottle that is flawed. It might be improper storage. Big tannins show up after 4 hours in a decanter. Helen Turley was the wine maker. Robert Parker 96 points. Regardless of how it is showing now, it's always nice to try these kind of wines. A blend of 85% Merlot with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14.5% alcohol by volume. 91 points. $100 (current vintage).

It is time for some Merlot on this #MerlotThursday. Let's bring Merlot back! Deep ruby in color with a wide reddish /brick rim. Full bodied with medium acidity and long legs. Dry on the palate with nice complexity and mouthfeel. Showing blackberries, black currants, plums, earth, cedar, leather, chocolates, tobacco, mildew, light vinaigrette and black pepper. Long finish with round tannins and tangy raspberries. This 25 year old Merlot is a tad tired, but still very enjoyable. I've had this Merlot before, but it was a more recent vintage. I have a feeling it's this specific bottle that is flawed. It might be improper storage. Big tannins show up after 4 hours in a decanter. Helen Turley was the wine maker. Robert Parker 96 points. Regardless of how it is showing now, it's always nice to try these kind of wines. A blend of 85% Merlot with 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14.5% alcohol by volume. 91 points. $100 (current vintage).

9.2

Jon Maxwell Delectable Pro

Founder Veritas Wine Consulting

Not nearly as plush as it no doubt once was, but has held up reasonably well over 19 years

Not nearly as plush as it no doubt once was, but has held up reasonably well over 19 years

8.7

Esther Garcia

Blueberries, cocoa, molasses.

Blueberries, cocoa, molasses.

9.8

Ron Siegel

Deep dark color that is still very youthful showing cherry, berry, plum fruits with mocha, leather & tobacco.

Deep dark color that is still very youthful showing cherry, berry, plum fruits with mocha, leather & tobacco.

9.3

Ron Siegel

This was delicious! Purchased on release showing red berry fruits, cassis, leather & tobacco leaf.

This was delicious! Purchased on release showing red berry fruits, cassis, leather & tobacco leaf.

9.4

Jonathan Hammer

Very rich Merlot

Very rich Merlot

9.5

B

1997 Pahlmeyer Merlot. Dinner w J&J D at Ner. Didn’t decant and drank straight away. Lovely and balanced.

1997 Pahlmeyer Merlot. Dinner w J&J D at Ner. Didn’t decant and drank straight away. Lovely and balanced.

10

Location

  • 300 Massachusetts Ave NE
    Washington D.C., DC 20002

  • Hours:
    Monday - Saturday
    10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
    Sunday
    11:00 AM - 5:00 PM

WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.