2009 Pahlmeyer Red
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Tasting notes
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.
Critic scores
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Full ruby-red. Deep, slightly medicinal aromas of dark berries, kirsch , mocha, cocoa powder and licorice. Plush, suave and fine-grained, conveying lovely texture and sweetness to its flavors of black fruits, licorice, minerals, herbs and pepper framed by slightly edgy acidity and firm oak-driven tannins. Still a bit medicinal on the aftertaste but has the density for further positive evolution in bottle. (15.2% alcohol)
(a five-variety Bordeaux blend based on 82% cabernet sauvignon): Good medium ruby. Wild aromas of crushed berries, lavender and chocolate complicated by pepper and leather; suggests a rather wide range of ripeness. Considerably denser and fatter than the '09 merlot, with a youthfully medicinal character to the plum, kirsch and chocolate flavors. Finishes with an herbal edge and very good persistence. Will this retain verve as it gains in texture with time in bottle?