2015 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red
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Full-bodied, concentrated and lushly textured, this forward, round, rich wine is loaded with sweet, ripe black and blue fruit, smoke, chocolate, vanilla, licorice and a nice hit of spice in the finish. 96 Points
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Robert Parker
Tom Parker MW, jancisrobinson.com
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79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 3% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Aged 20 months in 85% new French oak. Pahlmeyer’s first wines were made in 1986, with vines situated in Atlas Peak at 2,100 feet elevation (640 m). Founder Jayson Pahlmeyer’s daughter Cleo took over as president in 2017. Deep ruby colour. Heady black fruits and sweet spice on the nose. Glossy and full bodied. Ripe, bordering on dried fruits. Chalky structure through to the back end that is long and broad. A bold style. (TP)
This is so balanced and articulated with precise aromas of currants, blackberries and cherries, as well as a mint character. Full body, firm and fine tannins and a juicy, subtle finish. Drink in 2021.
The 2015 Proprietary Red has turned out beautifully. Dark and fleshy, with plenty of immediacy, the 2015 looks like it will offer its best drinking over the next handful of years. Succulent dark cherry, plum, new leather mocha and spice develop in the glass. There is good up-front intensity, but the vintage did not allow for a wine built on layers, as is the norm here.