2002 Napa Valley Merlot
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
Made from a blend of 96% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2002 Merlot is the ultimate Merlot in terms of pure, seductive prowess. It possesses a dense purple color in addition to a gorgeous perfume of espresso roast, melted fudge, black currants, cherries and subtle smoke as well as earth, great intensity, and full-bodied opulence, in a voluptuous, juicy, unctuously textured style that cascades over the palate with no hard edges. This is haute couture of Merlot. Moreover, while it has always been open and accessible, this 2002 will last for another 15-20 years given its concentration. Pahlmeyer has long been one of my favorite wineries for both their red wines and Chardonnays. Both the 2002 red cuvees, made by Erin Green for proprietor Jayson Pahlmeyer, are performing fabulously. These wines typically have tremendously long lives, as evidenced by some older vintages in my cellar that are continuing to age beautifully. One can make a strong argument that Pahlmeyer produces the finest Merlot in California. Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(includes 5% cabernet sauvignon) Full ruby-red. Roasted plum, blackberry, blueberry, licorice and bitter chocolate on the nose. Intensely flavored and sweet, with harmonious acidity framing the complex, slightly saline flavors of dark berries and game. Finishes with lovely lift and length, with the fine-grained tannins arriving late. A strong vintage for this bottling.
(includes 4% cabernet sauvignon) Good ruby-red. Superripe aromas of crystallized black raspberry and minerals; more perfumed and less gamey than the 2001. Thick, sweet and seamless, with burnished flavors of dark berries. Large-scaled but distinctly soft in the mouth; like the 2001, this could use a bit more verve. Finishes with broad, round tannins. Even higher in alcohol than the 2001, at 15.5%.