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. Bibiana González Rave is the current winemaker. Wines produced at Pahlmeyer include the flagship Proprietary Red, Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
89% Merlot and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon from Pahlmeyer Estate and Rancho Chimiles vineyards.
Bright crimson in color. 15.2% ABV. Soaring nose of red and blue fruits, leather, licorice and spice box. Powerful, dense and full bodied. Well balanced. Cassis liqueur, plum sauce, blueberries and chocolate on the palate. The finish is exceptionally long and silky. Just a stunning Merlot and without question one of the very best examples of this variety from the state of California. Drink over the next 1-3 years.
My rating: 94 points.
The 2016 version of this wine, although pricey, is worth considering at about $90 per bottle