Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Proprietary Red Blend 2021 750ML

The 2021 Proprietary Red blends estate fruit from Stagecoach (37%) and the Pahlmeyer Estate Vineyard (24%) with purchased elements from Upper Range (34%) and Vangone (5%). The varietal composition is 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 2% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Aging 18 months in 94% new French oak, it will be bottled unfined and unfiltered. Right now, it offers compelling fruit-driven aromas of ripe cherries, cassis, and blueberries—the oak is well concealed. Full-bodied and rich, this is dense and velvety on the palate, with a long, mouthwatering finish, despite an ample amount of dusty tannins.

This gentle giant is the original Pahlmeyer red, first made in 1986. It’s always cabernet sauvignon dominant, and this year is 89%, plus 9% merlot and dashes of malbec and petit verdot. Lush with fruit and subtle spices, packed with blackcurrant, spearmint, cocoa and graphite flavors that swell on the palate and linger on the finish. So layered, intricate, supple and well structured for long aging.

Flashy and fragrant aromatics of ripe blackberry fruit, graphite, tobacco, purple florals, herbs, and slivers of dark chocolate. Fabulously rich, dense dark black and blue fruit notes, tobacco leaf, and black olive atop a sea of ultra-fine velvety tannins. It’s a seamless red with no rough edges. Winemaker Katie Vogt blends the Cabernet and Merlot but waits to blend in the Malbec later, while 2% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc round out the cuvée. It's aged in heavy toast Taransaud and Darnajou barrels for 18 months. Hillside sources include Waters, Upper Range, Stagecoach, and Vangone.

A hyperripe, polished style, offering creamy flavors of plum, boysenberry and blackberry puree laced with melted licorice and mocha notes. Cruises through steadily but is a touch shy on energy, giving this a frankly hefty feel. For fans of the maximum-impact style. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Best from 2025 through 2036. 2,605 cases made.