Professor Bainbridge...on law, politics, religion, culture & food

Jayson (Napa Valley) 2005

Jayson is Pahlmeyer’s second wine. It is assembled from lots originally intended for their Merlot or Red meritage blend but that were declassified for one reason or another. Even so, many Napa wineries (and not a few from Bordeaux) would be content to claim Jayson as their first wine.

In 2005, Jayson reportedly is dominated by Merlot. Red currants, cocoa, espresso, and blueberry. It’s a big wine, but the tannins are soft and silky. This gentle giant is hard to resist now but might reward short-term cellaring. I’ve got 3 bottles left in my cellar. My current thinking is to drink 2 over the next year and cellar the last until 2013-14.

Grade: A-