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. Katie Vogt is the current winemaker. Wines produced at Pahlmeyer include the flagship Proprietary Red, Merlot, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. In late 2019 Gallo purchased Pahlmeyer.
Crimson in color. 15.1% ABV. Sublime nose of red and blue fruits, Whitman Sampler box, leather and violets. Rich and full bodied with notable balance. The definition of an iron fist in a velvet glove. Currants, cassis, blueberry liqueur and tobacco on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish with prominent silky tannins. An outstanding wine from Pahlmeyer and certainly a triumph for the vintage. Napa at it’s best. I’ll open my last bottle in 2028.
My rating: 97 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.