2015 Pahlmeyer Chardonnay Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
The 2015 Chardonnay is terrific. Orange confit, burnt sugar, caramel, spice and honeyed notes are all signatures of a mature wine. A hint of reduction adds character. The 2015 has aged very well, but it is also peaking today. Fruit sources at the time were Waters and Antica.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2015 Chardonnay, which comes from both Old Wente and Dijon clones, is off the estate property on Atlas Peak. It has that noteworthy greenish hue to its light-gold color, which I consider a high-sign of quality. Orange blossom, tangerine oil, mango, subtle smoky wood, a full-bodied texture, terrific purity and acidity, great fruit and a long, long finish are the stuff of great California Chardonnay. This cuvée also has a phenomenal track record for aging for at least 7-10 years, and in certain vintages even longer.
The 2015 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) is a very pretty, racy, voluptuous Chardonnay. Apricot, chamomile, mint, new French oak, butter, vanillin and lightly honeyed notes give the 2015 much of its extroverted, flamboyant personality. Even with all of its richness, though, the 2015 is a relatively mid-weight wine in its structure but with a decidedly overt, oak-influenced personality.