Impressed with Pahlmeyer...no surprise there...

July 05, 2011

A few days back, Yr Mst Hmbl & Obdt Svt here stumbled upon a Pahlmeyer tasting.  My friend Carl and Dave Landis of Pahlmeyer were gracious enough to extend an invite for me to sit and join in.  Many thanks for that!

Now, the world today is very different for luxury end wines, and certainly Pahlmeyer wines are in that category.  However, I must admit that the quality for price ratio for them is excellent. If one is asked to spend $50 - $125 per bottle, in the reality of 2011, the wine in the bottle had better well be damn good.

Well, Pahlmeyer wines are damn good. Even at the price. The Jayson wines, Chardonnay and Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir are quite competitive at $50 given the vast amount of competition at the price point.

Jayson Chardonnay 2008 showed a lovely nose, green fruit and a very balanced warmth.  The palate was elegant,  and very balanced between the nice crisp fruit, good mineral and acid tones and a touch of oak in the background.  I've had more expensive Napa Chardonnay that was undrinkeable, literally. (it rhymes with Whistler)

Jayson North Coast Pinot Noir 2006 had a dark nose, black cherry tones, and a very complex Burgundian style palate, not at all dense, but with lovely layers of fruit and acid.  I have had domestic Pinot Noir at much higher prices that was not nearly so well done.  To be honest, I 've had Burgundy that cost  more than $50 that I didn't like nearly as well. An outstanding effort.

Napa Valley Merlot 2008 was a supple, dense elegant wine, reminding me of some Right Bank Bordeaux wines.  Merlot got a bad rep, deservedly so, but when made this well, should really be given a second chance.  Now the $75 price point is steep, but, if you want to spend good money on really beautiful merlot, this is worth the price. Sadly, not much is available, so if you see it, grab it.

Napa Valley Red 2006 was dark, almost raisiny nose, with a rich elegant Bordeaux style palate of dark cherry, tobacco and smooth, elegant acids.  Lovely to drink now, and can easily last some years in the cellar. To their huge credit, Pahlmeyer has lowered their prices! Now, still not inexpensive at $115, but at least they recognize the reality of today's market.

Also the Red 2007 was opened and this was really turned up a notch over the 06.  Tight, dense and huge, clearly not ready to drink yet needing at least five more years in the cellar, but obviously going to be something very rewarding for your investment and patience.

If you desire the best efforts from California, and have the ability to pay for the privilege, Pahlmeyer is a safe bet for you.

Cheers,
Rob Moshein
Austin Wine Guy