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. Jennifer Williams is the current winemaker. Wines produced at Pahlmeyer include the flagship Proprietary Red, Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In late 2019 Gallo purchased Pahlmeyer.
The 2012 Malbec was a wine only available to club members but I was able to get this on WineBid. The fruit is from Estate Vineyards.
Purple in color. Dark as night. 15.2% ABV. Stunning nose of blue and black fruits, scorched earth and Whitman Sampler box. Lush and rich. Full bodied, silky and well balanced. Blueberries, cassis liqueur, currants and coffee on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. I don’t drink Malbec on many occasions but this wine would have to be in the conversation for best domestic Malbecs although I am sure this is a rather niche category. Bravo! Best over the next 3-5 years.
My rating: 95 points.
I’ve always loved Pahlmeyer wines. The Proprietary Reds made by Helen Turley in the mid to late 90’s are benchmark wines for me.