Critic ratings
robert_parker
2020
Rating:
94
–94
Almost entirely Old Wente clone (or, more properly, selection), Pahlmeyer's 2020 Chardonnay continues to be among Napa's most noteworthy efforts with the variety. All barrel fermented in all new oak from François Frères, there are overtones of smoke, mocha and popcorn, notes of honey and toast but also a deep core of pear and melon notes. Full-bodied and generous on the palate, it's also long and citrusy, with classy notes of pencil shavings on the lingering finish.
robert_parker
2018
Rating:
93
–95
A tank sample to be bottled in December, the 2018 Chardonnay springs from the glass with vivacious pink grapefruit, white peach and lemon tart scents with touches of fresh ginger, orange blossoms, beeswax and shaved almonds. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers super-intense citrus flavors with loads of savory sparks and a satiny texture, finishing on a lingering ginger nut note.
robert_parker
2018
Rating:
94
–94
The 2018 Chardonnay offers up vivacious scents of fresh grapefruit, lemon meringue pie and fresh pineapple with hints of struck match, wet pebbles and cedar plus a hint of preserved ginger. Medium to full-bodied, the palate explodes with citrus and tropical layers, supported by a lovely creamy texture and plenty of freshness, finishing long and mineral sparked. 2,347 cases were made.
robert_parker
2015
Rating:
96
–96
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.
robert_parker
2013
Rating:
88
–91
The 2013 Chardonnay reveals plenty of upfront buttery, caramelized fruit, medium to full body and a slight chunkiness in the finish. While very good, it is not at the level of the 2012 Savoir Faire. Drink now through 2020.
robert_parker
2013
Rating:
94
–94
The 2013 Chardonnay Napa displays beautiful honeysuckle, lemon oil, and hints of nectarine and poached pear, and has a Burgundian, Bâtard-Montrachet-like texture and richness. The wine is sensationally rich and once again a great success from this winery, which has had such an incredible track record for world-class Chardonnays. This should drink well for another 5-7 years, as their record for aging is brilliant.
robert_parker
2006
Rating:
95
–95
Ever since Demi Moore tried to seduce Michael Douglas in the blockbuster movie “Disclosure,” Pahlmeyer’s Chardonnay has been a hot ticket. What might get lost in the glare of Hollywood is that the wine is superb. The 2006 Chardonnay (3,000 cases) is just as good. Slightly fuller-bodied, with zesty acidity and fabulous notes of brioche, quince, and again some leesiness, the wine has a nice greenish hue to the light gold color, subtle smoke, and a dense, rich mouthfeel. It should drink nicely for 5-7 years.
The charismatic Jayson Pahlmeyer and his exuberant winemaker, Erin Green, who apprenticed for Helen Turley for many years, are turning out some fabulous wines. I terribly underestimated their 2005 reds. However, there’s always time to correct these things, and I intend to do it with the following notes.
Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786
robert_parker
1998
Rating:
89
–89
The 1998 Chardonnay, which was extremely impressive last year, is on a fast evolutionary track and requires consumption over the next 6-9 months. My initial rating was 92, but recent bottles have revealed an evolved character, a deep golden color, and notes of caramel and butterscotch, all signs of a fully mature Chardonnay. Oaky, rich, and honeyed, with plenty of smoke, ripe apricot, and tropical fruit flavors, it should be drunk up ... quickly.
Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786
robert_parker
1998
Rating:
92
–92
The 1998 Chardonnay (14.8% alcohol) is on a fast evolutionary track. Light gold-colored, with a ripe apricot, butterscotch, and smoky nose, this full-bodied Chardonnay reveals evidence of botrytis (honeyed, funky notes), huge body, and leesy, ripe flavors that caress the palate. I have had good luck cellaring Pahlmeyer's Chardonnays for 4-6 years, but I recommend drinking this one over the next several years for its exuberant, in-your-face style. (release date 5/00)
Tel. (707) 255-2321, Fax (707) 255-6786
robert_parker
1997
Rating:
93
–95
The 1997 Chardonnay (which comes from a vineyard in the Coombsville area of Napa Valley) was bottled without filtration. A spectacular wine, with relatively good availability in the marketplace (2,500 cases produced), it is slightly lighter than the blockbuster 1996, as well as more aromatically intense. There are gorgeously complex aromas of tropical fruits, leesy, smoky notes, and pain grille. Full-bodied, with superb purity, it is a terrific Burgundian-styled Chardonnay that should age nicely for 5-6 years.
If you are not on Pahlmeyer's mailing list, there is little chance of securing these wines in the marketplace, although there is limited distribution through the three-tiered system.
Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786
robert_parker
1997
Rating:
95
–95
The spectacular, full-bodied, unctuous 1997 Chardonnay exhibits a hazy light straw/green/gold color in addition to a blockbuster nose of minerals, toast, tropical fruit (tangerine), lemon butter, and pineapple. In the mouth, some of the roasted hazelnut, grand cru Chassagne-Montrachet-like notes become more apparent. This fabulous Chardonnay should drink well for 3-4 years.
Tel. (707) 255-2321, Fax (707) 255-6786
robert_parker
1996
Rating:
94
–94
In a vintage where few 1996 Chardonnays seemed to be as fabulous as their 1995 counterparts, Pahlmeyer's 1996 Chardonnay is the exception. It is an extraordinary wine with grand cru Burgundy-like aspirations. Made from a single vineyard situated in eastern Napa Valley, it is a powerful, full-bodied Chardonnay offering a smoky, roasted nut, and tropical fruit-scented nose with that unmistakable leesy complexity. Rich, with layers of extracted, nearly unctuously-textured flavors, this is a powerful, lusty, complex Chardonnay that expresses the essence of this grape. It was fermented in a Burgundian manner, aged sur lie, and bottled without filtration. It should drink well for 2-3 years. Yummy!
This is another winery where getting on the mailing list is essential to securing a few bottles of these liquid gems.
With each new vintage I am blown away by Pahlmeyer's wines. Lest anyone forget, the genius of consulting winemaker Helen Turley is behind these wines. I kept retasting them, thinking I was being too generous, but they justly deserve their lofty numerical ratings. They are as exciting as anything a wine lover could taste.
Tel. (707) 255-2321; fax (707) 255-6786
robert_parker
1992
Rating:
88
–88
Pahlmeyer's 1992 Chardonnay was exhibiting too much oak when I tasted it. Better integration of the wood would have resulted in an outstanding score as the wine is not lacking personality, richness, or character. Loaded with opulent, chewy Chardonnay fruit, it is pure, well-balanced, and delicious and satisfying despite the wood's aggressiveness. Drink it over the next 1-2 years.
Tel. (707) 255-2131.
robert_parker
1991
Rating:
92
–92
This rich, creamy-textured Chardonnay is oozing with nutty, buttery, baked apple fruit, as well as the multi-layered feel one finds in minimally processed wines, wonderful purity, and a soft, rich, well-focused finish. This is Pahlmeyer's finest Chardonnay to date. Drink it over the next 1-3 years. Accolades to Pahlmeyer for taking the risk and bottling this Chardonnay unfined and unfiltered, giving the consumer all the flavor inherent in the grapes!
robert_parker
2022
Rating:
93
–93
Winemaker Katie Vogt started picking for Pahlmeyer's 2022 Chardonnay in August, with just a couple of blocks hanging into September. As always, it's all fermented in roughly 90% new François Frères barrels. The nose boasts scents of toasted hazelnuts and white peaches, plus hints of cashew and grilled pineapple. In the mouth, this vintage is full-bodied, broad and expansive—perhaps a bit warm. Fruit this vintage came from Antinori, Hyde, Toyon, Stagecoach and Waters Ranch (Pahlmeyer's estate vineyard). The nearly 3,000 cases were bottled unfined and unfiltered in August 2023.
robert_parker
2021
Rating:
95
–95
The price has almost quintupled since the 1991 played an instrumental role in the film "Disclosure" (1994; Michael Douglas, Demi Moore), but Pahlmeyer's 2021 Chardonnay remains a stunningly seductive wine. All barrel fermented and matured 11 months in 91% new French oak—mostly François Frères—bottled unfixed and unfiltered, it boasts an intoxicating perfume of gently toasted brioche, roasted cashews and hazelnuts, grilled pear and pineapple. In the mouth, it's medium to full-bodied, concentrated and dense, yet silky and fine, with a lingering, elegant finish. Fruit sources include the Pahlmeyer Estate Vineyard but also Stagecoach, Antica, Hudson and Hyde.
robert_parker
2014
Rating:
94
–94
The 2014 Chardonnay is light gold-colored with a greenish hue and beautiful, fresh tropical fruit flavors of pineapple, pear, honeysuckle and a touch of citrus. It is not as dense and concentrated as the 2013, but I love its vibrancy and beautiful subtleties and nuances. It is another top-notch effort from Pahlmeyer to drink over the next 7-8 years.
robert_parker
2015
Rating:
96
–96
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.
robert_parker
2016
Rating:
95
–95
The 2016 Chardonnay has a lovely savory, yeasty/toasty nose over a core of warm grapefruit, fresh apricots and allspice with a touch of candied ginger. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-filling stone fruit and spicy layers, supported by great freshness and finishing long and creamy.
robert_parker
2017
Rating:
93
–93
Composed entirely of fruit from Atlas Peak and bottled two weeks ago, the 2017 Chardonnay gives very pretty white peaches, pink grapefruit, honey-drizzled pears and lime blossoms with touches of nutmeg, marzipan and baker’s yeast. The palate is medium-bodied with a slight, very pleasant phenolic grip to the texture and bags of stone fruit and pear layers, finishing on a lovely savory note.
robert_parker
2009
Rating:
95
–95
Consistently one of the top Chardonnays in California, Pahlmeyer’s 2009 exhibits an impressive, thick-looking, light gold color with green hues. Loads of peach, creme brulee, honeysuckle, and subtle oak are present in this full-bodied, well-endowed, pedal-to-the-metal style of Chardonnay that will appeal to those who like white Burgundy, but with additional richness. Given its track record, expect this wine to age nicely for 5-6 years.
Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786
robert_parker
2010
Rating:
93
–93
The 2010 Chardonnay is a gorgeous wine laced with expressive varietal fruit, smoke, butter, minerals and French oak. This is a fairly restrained style, yet all of the elements are in perfect balance. A long, subtle finish rounds things out very nicely. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015.
This is a beautiful set of wines from Pahlmeyer. The wines are increasingly more refined and elegant than in the past. The absurdly heavy bottles, on the other hand, are very 1990s. In other words – out of touch.
Tel. (707) 255-2321
robert_parker
2011
Rating:
94
–94
I was quite taken with the wines I tasted from Pahlmeyer this year. The 2011 Chardonnay is gorgeous. Layers of lemon pastry, juicy peaches, butter and spices take shape in the glass. The 2011 is a bit restrained for Pahlmeyer, but all the elements are very nicely woven together. There is plenty of varietal character and house style, but in a slightly more reserved way than readers have become accustomed to over the years, mostly because of the cool growing season. This is a beautiful and classy wine through and through. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2015.
Tel. (707) 255-2321; www.pahlmeyer.com
robert_parker
2012
Rating:
95
–95
Pahlmeyer’s spectacular 2012 Chardonnay offers abundant aromas of hazelnuts, buttered citrus, tropical fruits and honeysuckle intermixed with a touch of tangerine oil. It cuts a full-bodied swath across the palate, and possesses good acidity, exuberant fruit and an undeniably sexy style. Enjoy this terrific All-American, All-Napa Valley Chardonnay over the next 4-5 years. Bravo!
Tel. (707) 255-2321
robert_parker
2003
Rating:
95
–95
The 2003 Chardonnay Napa reveals a Corton-Charlemagne-like earthiness and minerality, perhaps less fat and flesh than the Sonoma Coast bottling, but a full-bodied, rich personality. Aromas and flavors of pineapples, citrus oil, hazelnuts, and crushed rock/mineral-like characteristics are found in this long, defined Chardonnay. It should drink well for 5-6 years, perhaps longer.
(Release date 5/05)
Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786
robert_parker
2004
Rating:
91
–91
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
robert_parker
2005
Rating:
92
–92
There are 3,000 cases of the 2005 Chardonnay Napa, which reveals a light gold/green color along with scents of nectarines, quince, orange marmalade, brioche, and a leesy element. It possesses terrific acidity, not quite the complexity or mouthfeel of the Sonoma Coast offering, but a big, bold, smoky style that demands consumption over the next 5-6 years.
Previously recommended: 2003 Merlot (92), 2003 Proprietary Red Wine (94).
Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786
robert_parker
2007
Rating:
92
–92
There are 3,300 cases of the 2007 Chardonnay Napa, which reveals more honeysuckle and ripe peach characteristics, a deeper, fleshier mouthfeel, and less minerality. It suffers only in comparison to the prodigious Sonoma Coast offering. Full-bodied with brilliant acidity, it can be consumed over the next 5-7 years.
Things just seem to get better and better at Pahlmeyer, a long-standing, brilliant, remarkably consistent source for one of Napa’s finest Merlots, Chardonnays, and Pinot Noirs.
Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786
robert_parker
2006
Rating:
95
–95
Previously recommended, but no tasting note given.
Things just seem to get better and better at Pahlmeyer, a long-standing, brilliant, remarkably consistent source for one of Napa’s finest Merlots, Chardonnays, and Pinot Noirs.
Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786
robert_parker
2008
Rating:
95
–95
The 2008 Chardonnay is one of the finest Chardonnays of the vintage. Beautiful aromas of honeysuckle, brioche, white peaches, orange marmalade, and citrus blossoms soar from the glass of this light gold/green-hued wine. A terrific texture, full-bodied mouthfeel, and hints of hazelnuts as well as honey give this cuvee lots of flesh, depth, and richness. It should drink well for 5-8+ years.
One of California’s super-star producers, Pahlmeyer’s wines have a fabulous track record of aging well. This estate was one of Helen Turley’s first clients, and since she departed one of her assistants, Erin Green, has continued to turn out sumptuous reds as well as exquisite Chardonnays. The 2007 reds appear to be the finest Pahlmeyer has produced in a decade ... and that includes some top-flight wines.
Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786
robert_parker
1997
Rating:
95
–95
The spectacular, full-bodied, unctuous 1997 Chardonnay exhibits a hazy light straw/green/gold color in addition to a blockbuster nose of minerals, toast, tropical fruit (tangerine), lemon butter, and pineapple. In the mouth, some of the roasted hazelnut, grand cru Chassagne-Montrachet-like notes become more apparent. This fabulous Chardonnay should drink well for 3-4 years.
Tel. (707) 255-2321, Fax (707) 255-6786
robert_parker
1999
Rating:
90
–90
The 1999 Chardonnay (which emerges from several areas, the core component being the Berlenbach Vineyard in Coombsville) is a dense, concentrated effort with higher acidity than usual (the result of a cool growing season). This outstanding Chardonnay reveals medium to full body, excellent viscosity as well as abundant tangerine, citrus oil, mineral, and buttery tropical fruit aromas and flavors.
(Not yet released)
Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786
robert_parker
1998
Rating:
89
–89
The 1998 Chardonnay, which was extremely impressive last year, is on a fast evolutionary track and requires consumption over the next 6-9 months. My initial rating was 92, but recent bottles have revealed an evolved character, a deep golden color, and notes of caramel and butterscotch, all signs of a fully mature Chardonnay. Oaky, rich, and honeyed, with plenty of smoke, ripe apricot, and tropical fruit flavors, it should be drunk up ... quickly.
Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786
robert_parker
2000
Rating:
91
–91
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
robert_parker
2001
Rating:
93
–93
The 2001 Chardonnay is an opulent, full-throttle effort revealing an explosive bouquet of honeysuckle, pineapple, and citrus oils. It possesses great purity, tremendous richness, and a lusty, heady finish. Even better, there are 2,000 cases.
Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786
robert_parker
1993
Rating:
93
–93
The unfiltered 1993 Chardonnay is a sensational effort from Jason Pahlmeyer. As more and more California wineries assume the risks of fashioning Chardonnays that are profoundly complex, unmanipulated, and bottled naturally, the full potential of this varietal is finally being realized. Wines such as this are superior to all but a dozen or so grand cru white Burgundies. Don't just take my word for it - do a blind tasting and check out the results! Pahlmeyer, like several other California producers, has fashioned a riveting Chardonnay that could easily pass for a great Burgundy grand cru from the likes of Coche-Dury or Michel Niellon. It does not possess the most polished color, but who cares given the aromatic and flavor intensity and dimensions. Gorgeous aromas, from honey to acacia flowers to ripe apples and oranges, soar from the glass. Full-bodied, and extremely lively and rich with stunning layers of pure fruit, subtle oak, and decent acidity, this is a winemaking tour de force! If I did not know better, I would think I was drinking a 1990 Corton-Charlemagne from Jean-Francois Coche-Dury - at $150 a bottle! This exquisite California Chardonnay should last for 3-4 years. Where are you Demi? Tel. (707) 255-2321
robert_parker
1995
Rating:
94
–94
Pahlmeyer's 1995 Chardonnay appears to be a return to the style of the 1993. This unfiltered gem offers up fabulously sweet, ripe, honeyed pineapple and citrusy fruit aromas, intermingled with hazelnut and toasty oak scents. The wine is extremely full-bodied and rich, with a layered texture, outstanding purity, and a lusty finish. This superb California Chardonnay should drink well for 5-6 years. With the assistance of consulting oenologist Helen Turley, the Pahlmeyer wines have emerged as some of the finest in northern California. At present, there are three wines in Pahlmeyer's portfolio - a Merlot, Proprietary Red, and Chardonnay.
Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786
robert_parker
1994
Rating:
90
–90
The 1994 Chardonnay is exceptional, although it is not quite as complex as the brilliant 1993 unfiltered Chardonnay (a wine that continues to age marvelously well, exhibiting no signs of fruit loss). Although the 1994 is more polished, it offers a wealth of honeyed, citrusy, tropical fruits, a nice touch of toasty, smoky oak, full body, and a chewy, layered personality. It should drink well for 2-3 years.
With the assistance of consulting oenologist Helen Turley, the Pahlmeyer wines have emerged as some of the finest in northern California. At present, there are three wines in Pahlmeyer's portfolio - a Merlot, Proprietary Red, and Chardonnay.
Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786
robert_parker
1996
Rating:
95
–95
The awesome 1996 Chardonnay is one of the finest made at Pahlmeyer. A massive yet remarkably well-balanced example, it boasts a leesy complexity, rich, honeysuckle, buttered citrus, and roasted hazelnut characteristics. Since it was bottled unfiltered, it is throwing some sediment, so don't have a coronary if you see what professionals call "floaters." The wine's spectacular length and richness suggest another 4-5 years of longevity. This is undoubtedly one of the 1996 vintage's superstar Chardonnays.
If you are not on Pahlmeyer's mailing list, there is little chance of securing these wines in the marketplace, although there is limited distribution through the three-tiered system.
Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786