2019 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Merlot

JS97 Ripe plums and blueberries with slate, sweet tobacco and bark, Full-bodied, yet very fresh, with firm, layered tannins and a rich finish. Spices at the end. Juicy. Better in two or three years. Try after 2025.
Estate Notes: The commanding concentration of our Napa Valley Merlot is evident from first swirl, as bold aromas of crushed wild blackberries dominate the bouquet. The palate abounds with silky layers—an abundance of ripe black cherry and currant unfurl to earthy, savory notes of leather, camphor, and prosciutto, finishing long with an echo of anise, almond brittle,and tea leaf. Gorgeous structure and mid-palate focus suggest this cellar-worthy wine will evolve beautifully for a decade or more.