2000 Pahlmeyer Chardonnay Napa Valley
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Tasting notes
There are 2,500 cases of the 2000 Chardonnay. The acidity level presents itself as high, although Erin told me that analytically they are not out of line with lower acid vintages. Notes of honeyed citrus, lemon blossoms, candied oranges, and hazelnuts jump from the glass of this full-bodied, tasty, ripe, concentrated effort. It displays more definition and structure than previous examples. Whether that will translate into a longer aging curve is impossible to know, but my experience with most Pahlmeyer Chardonnays has shown that as great as they drink young, they can last for 5-6 years without any deterioration. Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Faintly hazy appearance. Subtly complex, rather Burgundian aromas of pineapple, lemon, dried fruits, nuts, herbs, flowers and toasty oak. Rich, lush, pliant and sweet; offers almost exotic ripeness and viscous texture without losing its primary fruit component. Finishes long, dry and very ripe, with an almost tannic quality. More full-blown than the '99, but perhaps better suited for drinking in its youth. And the 2001 to come is even deeper and more layered.