Pahlmeyer was born out Jayson Pahlmeyer’s audacious dream of creating a “California Mouton”. A successful trial attorney, he had an insatiable thirst for adventure and a hypnotic captivation with wine. Following his dream, Jayson partnered with John Caldwell, owner of a 55-acre site in south-east Napa Valley. Together, they began planting the finest French clones of red Bordeaux varieties.

After months of sleuthing in elite French vineyards, and years of seeking assistance from viticultural professors at the University of Bordeaux who analyzed the soil samples, exposure, rainfall and temperature data, Jayson and his partner were able to acquire Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec vines with the greatest intensity, depth of flavor and character and proceeded to smuggle their “suitcase clones” to the U.S. through Canada.

Planted in 1981, the French cuttings slowly adjusted. In 1986, with the help of Randy Dunn, one of California’s foremost winemakers, the Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red was made and launched Pahlmeyer’s astonishing track record of critical acclaim.

In 1989, Jayson invited rising star winemaker Bob Levy to produce the first vintages of Pahlmeyer Chardonnay and the 1991 Chardonnay sold out immediately.

In 1993, Helen Turley took the winemaking reins and further improved the quality and consistency of Pahlmeyer wines. She was instrumental in finding Waters Ranch – Pahlmeyer’s high-elevation Napa Valley estate vineyard planted to red Bordeaux varieties and Chardonnay - and Wayfarer, the winery’s isolated estate vineyard in the newly established Fort Ross-Seaview AVA. Waters Ranch and Wayfarer estate vineyards were planted by viticulture legend David Abreu in 1998 and 2002, respectively.

Jayson’s daughter Cleo joined the team in 2008, infusing the winery with new energy and bringing renewed vibrancy to the Pahlmeyer legacy. Vintage after vintage, Pahlmeyer continues to live up to Jayson’s audacious dream – producing phenomenal wines of power and finesse.

The current winemaker is Bibiana Gonzalez Rave. She received her oenology degree from the University of Bordeaux and has worked at estates in Bordeaux, the Rhone Valley, Santa Barbara County, Sonoma Valley and other locations in addition to Napa Valley. She was named Winemaker of the Year for 2015 by the San Francisco Chronicle.

Pahlmeyer Merlot comes both from their estate vineyard and the Stagecoach Vineyard. It includes about 4% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot. The grapes are sorted by vibrating table and by hand before destemming, and then hand-sorted again afterward.

Cold maceration lasts five days. Fermentation takes place in wood with 15% going into 500 liter puncheons and the rest in new French oak barrels (Seguin Moreau and Taransaud). After gente pressing in a stainless-steel basket press, the wine is returned to barrel for 20 aging months before bottling.

Introducing the 2021 Pahlmeyer Winery Merlot, a true gem from the prestigious wine region of Napa in California, USA. This exceptional red wine showcases the mastery of the renowned Pahlmeyer Winery, known for their commitment to producing wines of unparalleled quality and elegance.

In the glass, this Merlot displays a deep garnet-purple hue that immediately captivates the eye. With its enticing visual allure, it sets the stage for the sensory journey that awaits. The aromas that waft from the glass are nothing short of enchanting, beckoning the drinker closer. Juicy blueberries, Morello cherries, and wild blueberries take center stage, accompanied by delicate notes of rose oil, cardamom, and cumin seed. As the wine opens up, a hint of fragrant soil adds an earthy complexity that adds depth to the bouquet.

On the palate, the 2021 Pahlmeyer Merlot is full-bodied and exquisitely structured. Ripe, rounded tannins provide a firm backbone, expertly balanced to ensure a velvety smoothness without any hint of harshness. The black fruit flavors intertwine harmoniously with the floral layers, creating a symphony of flavors that dance across the taste buds. The wine culminates in a long, lingering finish that leaves a spicy lift, inviting another sip.

This vintage is a blend of fruit sourced from the esteemed Pahlmeyer Estate Vineyard and Stagecoach Vineyard, with a composition of 68% and 32% respectively. It has been meticulously matured for 18 months in 89% new French oak, adding complexity and a touch of oak-driven character to the wine. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, it showcases the pure essence of the Merlot grape.

Renowned wine critics have showered praise upon the 2021 Pahlmeyer Winery Merlot. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it an impressive score of 94 points, describing it as ripe, plummy, and full-bodied with a long, savory finish. The Wine Spectator also recognized its excellence, giving it a score of 92 and praising its generous structure and refined tannins. The Wine Independent echoed these sentiments, awarding it a score of 95 and hailing its bold expressions of fruit and beautiful tension.

The 2021 Pahlmeyer Winery Merlot is a wine that exemplifies the artistry and dedication of its producer. With its remarkable depth, impeccable balance, and stunning flavors, it is a wine that is sure to captivate wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike. Whether enjoyed now or aged gracefully, this Merlot is destined to be a highlight of any wine collection.