1997 Merlot

This 1997 Paloma Merlot pours a deep amber-red, hinting at its age and complexity, with fine sediment as it becomes visible as it swirls in the glass. The aromas are compelling, with notes of cranberry, resin, and cocoa powder creating a warm and inviting bouquet. These “dense” aromatics lend the wine a sense of refinement and maturity, drawing the drinker in with their depth and subtlety. On the palate, it reveals soft raspberry flavors, balanced by a savory hint of thyme that adds an herbaceous layer to its ripe red fruit background. The acidity comes forward on the finish, lending a fresh, lingering lift to the experience. After swallowing, a gentle thyme note persists, leaving a refined and lasting impression.

This wine is a testament to the quality and aging potential of the ‘97 vintage in Napa Valley, showcasing how well the region’s fruit can evolve and mature over time. 

Tasting Tips: Decant this wine, but not too long. Decanting older wines is a balance. Decant too much and the wine loses its flavor; decant too little and it is not as expressive as it could be. This 27 year old seems to show best with about 30 minutes of decanting. We also recommend drinking this wine now, rather than holding it. 

Availability: We have a very limited quantity of this wine, so it is only available to Collector Club members at fulfillment. To see our club options, click here.