Paloma Milestones: 2004
January 17, 2005

The Wine Spectator placed our wine in the top 100 again; the 2002 Paloma Merlot was 54th of over 12,000 wines tasted this year. Another exceptional honor!
This year, the Merlot blooms suffered severe damage from “shatter”, which resulted in half the normal crop. Shatter is caused by excessive moisture during bloom; the blossom does not pollinate and the fruit does not set. It is common with Merlot, which is more susceptible to shatter than other varietals, but we had never been effected so adversely.
We pulled our small block of Syrah, which produced about 150 cases of wine per year and replaced it with Cabernet Sauvignon. There were many disappointed, loyal Paloma Syrah fans.
https://www.winespectator.com/issues/top-100-2004-12-31

By caston
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August 18, 2025
At Paloma, Merlot is the soul of our story. It is the grape that founders Jim & Barbara fell in love with on their journey to Spring Mountain. Picture this: it’s the late 1970s, and Barbara and Jim are visiting the Duckhorn vineyard, tasting their famed Three Palms Merlot. They lean into a sip and feel stirred—not just by the wine’s richness, but by its quiet elegance. That moment sparked something. They looked at each other and thought, “This is the wine we want to make. These are grapes we have to grow.” Before they even found the site, they had their hearts set on Merlot. By the time they found the raw land at the top of Spring Mountain, there was no changing their minds. Back then, planting Merlot at that elevation was almost unheard of—too cool, too risky. But they trusted their instincts and took the leap.

By WSI
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March 26, 2025
At Paloma Vineyard, sustainability is more than just a practice—it’s the foundation of everything we do. Nestled on Napa Valley’s Spring Mountain, our small, family-run vineyard has been embracing sustainable and regenerative farming for over four decades. Every choice we make, from cover cropping to solar power, reflects our deep respect for the land and our commitment to producing exceptional wines that honor both our family legacy and the environment.

By WSI
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March 6, 2025
Merlot has captivated wine enthusiasts for over two centuries with its smooth texture, rich flavors, and remarkable versatility. As one of the most widely planted grape varietals in the world, Merlot holds a prominent place on dinner tables and in wine cellars from Bordeaux to Napa Valley. But what makes Merlot so special? The answer lies in the grape’s adaptability, the care that goes into its cultivation, and the sense of place reflected in every bottle.

By taste_2420_views_enjoy
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December 31, 2024
At our sustainable winery and vineyard , every choice we make reflects our commitment to preserving the environment and crafting exceptional wines. From innovative trellising systems to thoughtful vineyard management, we strive to balance nature’s needs with our vision for creating wines that tell a story in every sip.