2021 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red Blend Napa Valley
The 2021 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red captures the essence of this stellar low-yielding vintage: powerful yet refined, intense yet luscious. Aromas of lingonberry and boysenberry interplay with flickerings of green peppercorn, saddle leather, and forest floor, culminating in a beautifully lifted bouquet. The tightly wound palate frames a core of intense plum and cassis layered with licorice spice. Polished tannins give way to a mid-palate rich with macerated blackberry and freshly grated nutmeg. This articulate, broad-shouldered blend is poised to evolve gracefully over the next two decades. – 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.
Wine Advocate
The 2021 Proprietary Red blends estate fruit from Stagecoach (37%) and the Pahlmeyer Estate Vineyard (24%) with purchased elements from Upper Range (34%) and Vangone (5%). The varietal composition is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 2% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Aging 18 months in 94% new French oak, it will be bottled unfined and unfiltered. Right now, it offers compelling fruit-driven aromas of ripe cherries, cassis, and blueberries—the oak is well concealed. Full-bodied and rich, this is dense and velvety on the palate, with a long, mouthwatering finish, despite an ample amount of dusty tannins.