2009 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Bordeaux Blend

“The 2009 Pahlmeyer is made up of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. Deep garnet colored, the nose gives up provocative notes of candied violets, dark chocolate-covered cherries, licorice, dried lavender and dried Provence herbs over a core of warm cassis, prunes and blueberry compote plus a waft of cedar. Full-bodied, the big, rich, juicy palate has a well-played frame of fine-grained, plush tannins and tons of freshness, finishing long and fruity. (LPB)” (01/2020)

“This cellar-worthy Bordeaux-like expression offers a mix of cedar-laced tobacco, dried berry, loamy earth and herbal notes. Young and tightly wound, this unfolds slowly and gracefully, and looks like an ideal choice to lay down. (JL)” (10/2012)

“Although very much showing the winery's predictable predilection to ripeness, Pahlmeyer's newly released red blend is an immense, wonderfully well-filled wine that is as long on juicy fruit as it is ripe and rich in oak, and its themes of black cherries, root beer and sweet loamy soils seem to grow more intense as it crosses the palate. Some will find it too rich and outgoing, but this one is all Californian in style and shows why Napa Valley is so envied by many. *Two Stars*” (12/2012)

“The 2009 Red Blend emerges from the glass with freshly cut flowers, mint, spices, minerals and pure, crystalline, dark red fruit. This is a gorgeous wine endowed with remarkable finesse. The style is weightless, elegant and totally refined. I especially like the way the wine fleshes out in the glass. The 2009 is 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. (AG)” (12/2011)