2009 Pahlmeyer Chardonnay, Napa Valley
This is serious Napa Chardonnay. From the deep straw color to the glass-coating viscosity (the alcohol is 14.9%) to the heady nose of smoke, butter, honeysuckle and nutmeg that frame the ripe peach, melon and apple fruit, through to the rich buttered fruit explosion in the mouth that lingers seemingly forever after the first swallow… this is a hedonist’s delight. While others chase the latest trends in winemaking, Pahlmeyer stays the course, simply producing outstanding Chardonnay vintage after vintage. It was a perfect match for our 35th wedding anniversary dinner of broiled lobster tail with drawn butter, accompanied by sweet yams. (Glen Frederiksen)
MSRP: $70 (November 2011)
Wine Lines rating: 93
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RATINGS EXPLAINED
80-84 points: A sound wine that shows varietal character. 85-89 points: An unflawed wine that shows some depth and concentration of aromas and flavors. 90-93 points: A Gold Medal wine of its type, showing balance, depth and secondary flavor profiles found in the best of its style. 94-97 points: Hedonistic pleasure in a glass. Remarkable balance, aromas, flavor and length. A pure expression of the varietal or type. 98-100 points: A wine for the ages! Will drink sublimely for decades. Learn more here!
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