Pahlmeyer was founded in the mid-1980s when Jayson Pahlmeyer, a Bay Area lawyer, decided he preferred thinking about wine over reading legal briefs. Pahlmeyer produced its debut vintage in 1986. The winemaking team is comprised of Kale Anderson who is Director of Winemaking for the Napa Valley vineyard and operations, and Bibiana González Rave as Consulting Winemaker overseeing the Sonoma Coast vineyard and operations.
Dark Crimson in color. 14.8% ABV. Briefly decanted. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Merlot and small amounts of Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Soaring nose of cedar, graphite and cassis. Opulent and concentrated. Licorice, currants and black fruits on the palate. Silky tannins on a gorgeous finish. The wine is in a perfect spot right now. Drink over the next year or two.
My rating: 94 points.
Pahlmeyer wines are readily available at retail and via the winery. The 2012 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red should set you back about $145. I’ve already secured a few bottles.
I also blogged recently about the 2004 Pahlmeyer Merlot and 1995 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red.
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