2003 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red

This is a gorgeously opulent, complex, profound blend of 86% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec (15.1% alcohol) from Jayson Pahlmeyer and his brilliant winemaking sidekick, Erin Green. Pahlmeyer-s wines, first made by Helen Turley, continue to go from strength to strength. This nearly fully mature 2003 possesses deep, rich black currant fruit notes intermixed with hints of white chocolate, spice box, flowers and subtle background oak. Rich, authoritative and full-bodied, it should last for another decade, but why wait? Tel. (707) 255-2321; Fax (707) 255-6786

Good full ruby. Black cherry, blackcurrant, dusty licorice and a whiff of herbs on the nose. Then sweet and supple but cooler than the 2004 in its fruit character, with some mint and herbal nuances. Finishes with broad tannins and a suggestion of bitter chocolate. Today this seems a bit less sweet than the 2003 merlot, but these tannins are finer.

(cabernet sauvignon with bits of merlot, cab franc, petit verdot and malbec) Good full medium ruby. Blackcurrant, blackberry, licorice, minerals, violet, smoke and leather on the nose. Sweet and supple, with flavors of crushed dark berries and shoe polish. Lusher and more stuffed than the 2003 merlot, but kept fresh by an edge of acidity. Finishes long, bright and firm, with building tannins and notes of licorice and shoe polish.