- Last updated on February 18, 2023
Welcome! This is our Pahlmeyer Merlot Napa Valley review.
If you’re looking for a luxurious and rich red wine experience, look no further than Pahlmeyer Merlot Napa Valley.
Known for its meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality, Pahlmeyer’s Merlot is a true expression of the art of winemaking.
With every sip, you’ll discover a complex and layered wine that is the epitome of elegance and refinement.
Find below our Pahlmeyer Merlot review along with our food pairings recommendations, serving tips, curiosity, and where you can buy it.
Let’s begin!
Our Pahlmeyer Merlot Napa Valley Review
- Brand: Pahlmeyer
- Grape Varietal: Merlot
- Region: United States, Napa Valley
- Tasting Notes: Ripe Blackberry & Dark Chocolate notes
- Glass & Serving: Bordeaux / 59-64 °F (15-18 °C) / Decant ~30mins
- Storage: 10+ years
- Price Range: ~$120
- Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pahlmeyer Merlot Napa Valley review: What's its color?
Pahlmeyer Merlot Napa Valley wine has a deep, dark ruby color that is nearly opaque and fat slow falling legs.
If you want to know more about how to taste wine and the lingo that goes with it, check out this article: How To Taste Wine Like a Pro in 4 Steps.
Pahlmeyer Merlot review: What are the flavors?
Pahlmeyer Merlot Napa Valley is entirely made from Merlot grapes and aged 18 months in 75% French oak barrels.
On the nose, it is intoxicating, with aromas of ripe blackberry, dark chocolate, and hints of vanilla and oak.
Notes of roasted coffee beans, caramel, and an earthy undertone add depth and complexity to the aroma.
On the palate, it is full-bodied and velvety, with flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and coffee.
The tannins are smooth and well-integrated, giving the wine a long and satisfying finish. The wine’s impressive structure and balance make it a great choice for aging.
Is Pahlmeyer Merlot Napa Valley wine sweet?
No, it’s not sweet. Pahlmeyer Merlot Napa Valley wine is a dry wine.
Dry wine contains less than 15 g/L.
Learn more about wine sweetness level here.
Pahlmeyer Merlot Napa Valley review: Which food pairs well with it?
Pahlmeyer Merlot Napa Valley is a versatile wine that pairs well with a wide variety of foods.
Its soft tannins and medium acidity make it an excellent match for roasted and grilled meats, such as beef, lamb, and pork.
It also pairs well with rich and flavorful dishes, such as mushroom risotto and eggplant parmesan.
For cheese lovers, Pahlmeyer Merlot pairs beautifully with soft cheeses like Brie and Camembert, as well as aged cheeses like Gouda and Cheddar.
Vegetarians can enjoy this wine with hearty vegetable dishes like roasted root vegetables or stuffed portobello mushrooms.
And for a truly decadent experience, pair Pahlmeyer Merlot with dark chocolate desserts or a cheese plate featuring a variety of artisanal cheeses.
Pahlmeyer Merlot Napa Valley review: What's its alcohol content?
Pahlmeyer Merlot Napa Valley wine’s alcohol content is 15.1%.
In case you wonder about alcohol content or more precisely Alcohol By Volume, i.e. ABV, measure the alcoholic strength of a drink.
There is a direct relationship between the sugar left in the wine after the alcoholic fermentation has taken place, i.e. Residual Sugar or RS, and ABV.
During alcoholic fermentation, the yeast transforms the sugar in the grape juice into alcohol.
Grapes with high residual sugar will therefore produce dry wine with a high ABV.
How many calories are in a glass of Pahlmeyer Merlot Napa Valley wine?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture [1] a 5-ounce glass will contain about 120 to 130 calories.
Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram. So a wine with high ABV will have higher calories per glass than wine with low ABV.
Furthermore, sugar contributes to the calorie count.
A dry wine will usually have 4 calories per gram vs a sweet wine that will have around 20 calories per gram of carbs, which include sugar.
What is Pahlmeyer?
Here is an extract from the Pahlmeyer website:
“Balance is everything: power and finesse in perfect equilibrium.“
Conclusion
Overall, Pahlmeyer Merlot Napa Valley is a truly outstanding wine that demonstrates the pinnacle of Merlot winemaking, Napa Valley style.
Its rich and complex aromas and flavors, coupled with its smooth tannins and long finish, make it a wine that any wine enthusiast should experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned wine drinker or just starting to explore the world of wine, Pahlmeyer Merlot is a must-try that will leave a lasting impression.
Once you had it, we’d love to know your opinion, so reach out and let’s know what you think! Cheers!
