2004 Pahlmeyer Chardonnay Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
(15.5% alcohol; from a blend of vineyards) Pale yellow-gold color. Slightly reduced nose opens to show tropical fruits, butterscotch, honey, smoke and clove. Lush and sweet on the palate, with an edge of acidity framing the exotic pineapple finish. Finishes with a hint of alcoholic warmth.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2004 Chardonnay Napa Valley comes from four separate vineyards, but again from primarily old Wente clone (which gets my nod as the best Chardonnay clone in California, especially when it’s low-yielding). The Napa Valley reveals a more golden color than the Sonoma Coast as well as a more evolved nose of lemon oil, tropical fruit, tangerines, and pineapple. The wine is riper, richer, but less complex and delineated compared to the Sonoma Coast. It should be drunk over the next 2-3 years. (Release date 5/06) Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786