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The Pahlmeyer story is a tale of international intrigue, passion and Hollywood stardom… Of Jayson Pahlmeyer, friends and family… Of French clones, legendary winemaking and iconic wines...
Once upon a time, there was a man with a bold, irrepressible spirit – a trial attorney called to the profession by its fast and furious nature.
Jayson's partner smuggled their “suitcase clones” to the U.S. through Canada. All went off without a hitch until their final truckload, when the border authorities uncovered the French vines. Ordered to surrender all their contraband, they kept their French clones hidden and instead turned over to the unwitting patrollers clones purchased from U.C. Davis.
Planted in 1981, the French cuttings adjusted to their shock at a snail’s pace. Catching wind of these crazy guys and their Bordeaux vines, one of California’s foremost winemakers, Randy Dunn, visited the site and warned, “Don’t screw it up.” Clearly they didn’t because in 1986, seeing unparalleled promise, Randy asked to purchase the entire crop. Jayson agreed - on one condition: that Randy make Jayson’s “Pahlmeyer” Napa Valley Bordeaux blend.
| Varietal | Merlot |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 1996 |
| Rating | 97 RP |
| Bottle Size | 750 ml |
| Bottle Quantity | 1 |
| Country | USA |
| Region | California |
| Location | North Coast |
| Producer | Pahlmeyer |
| Color | Red |
| Wine Type | Table |
| Robert Parker | 97 RP - Highest Rated Cali Merlot Ever! I do not believe it is an exaggeration to say that Pahlmeyer's Merlot is now the finest being produced in California. One might quibble over other styles of Merlot but no producer achieves more complexity flavor and thrills per sip than Pahlmeyer. The 1996 Merlot which is produced from a multitude of sources including the Napanook York Creek and Moon Mountain Vineyards is aged in new Taransaud Bordeaux barrels. This dense purple-colored wine displays a flamboyant nose of smoke black fruits roasted meats and toasty oak. Spectacularly concentrated with an unctuous texture low acidity and fabulous fruit and ripeness this is an exquisite Merlot that should be even more outrageously ostentatious than the profound 1995. This wine will drink well when released and last for 15-20 years. If great wine satisfies both the palate and the intellect the Pahlmeyer offerings reviewed in this segment are prodigious. Despite the forward drinkability of these reds all of them will last for 20-25 years. These are mind-boggling efforts. This is another winery where getting on the mailing list is essential to securing a few bottles of these liquid gems. With each new vintage I am blown away by Pahlmeyer's wines. Lest anyone forget the genius of consulting winemaker Helen Turley is behind these wines. I kept retasting them thinking I was being too generous but they justly deserve their lofty numerical ratings. They are as exciting as anything a wine lover could taste. |
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| Varietal | Merlot |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 1996 |
| Rating | 97 RP |
| Bottle Size | 750 ml |
| Bottle Quantity | 1 |
| Country | USA |
| Region | California |
| Location | North Coast |
| Producer | Pahlmeyer |
| Color | Red |
| Wine Type | Table |
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