2020 Pahlmeyer 'Jayson' Chardonnay Napa Valley
The 2020 Jayson Chardonnay is layered and dynamic: The mountain fruit of the Pahlmeyer vineyards contributes intensity and crisp acidity, while lower-elevation blocks offer freshness, tropical notes, and lovely aromatic lift. Each vineyard was hand-harvested at optimal ripeness, picked in the predawn hours. Each whole cluster was meticulously hand sorted at the winery before pressing. The wine was gently whole-cluster pressed, naturally settled, and barrel fermented. It was racked from barrel for blending, then aged as a blend for 8 months before racking for bottling.
"A beckoning perfume of ripe pineapple, Buddha’s Hand, and brioche leaps from the glass, leading to a broad, lively palate of lemon curd, mango, and guava. The supple mouthfeel is buoyed by fresh acidity, sustaining the bright flavors, a touch of butterscotch lingering on the finish." –Katie Vogt
Jayson Pahlmeyer's mission from the outset has been clear: “industrial strength wines.” His megawatt personality is reflected in his wines, which regularly push the ripeness envelope. An absolute contrarian to the traditional “wine as a meal complement” philosophy, Jayson wants wines that are a meal unto themselves. The critics have noted his success with Robert Parker commenting “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.” There’s no question that these are wines that are built for maximum palate impact, but there’s substance behind the flash. While the grapes are picked ultra-ripe, they’re not out of balance. With Bibiana González Rave at the winemaking helm, the wines have never been better, and the Wayfarer project in Fort Ross is on the brink of becoming a new icon.
James Suckling
Aromas of matchstick, hay, grapefruit and fresh herbs. Medium-bodied with nice concentration and depth. Steady, with toasted complexity.