2021 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red

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. Drinkable now, but best from 2028.

- Jim Gordon (07/2024)

The 2021 Proprietary Red is composed of 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 2% Malbec, 2% Petit Verdot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. Deep garnet-purple in color, it charges out of the glass with exuberant notes of warm cassis, redcurrant preserves, and kirsch, followed by suggestions of lilacs, crushed rocks, wild sage, and Indian spices with a waft of mossy tree bark. The full-bodied palate vibrates with energetic black and red berry flavors, framed by ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing on a lingering ferrous note. (08/2023)

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.

- J.M.

The components of the 2021 Proprietary Red barely changed relative to the barrel sample I tasted last year, with 61% of the fruit being estate grown (Stagecoach and Waters Ranch), with the remainder coming from Upper Range (35%) and Vangone (4%). Dominant scents of cassis mark the nose, joined by hints of dark chocolate, black cherries and pencil shavings. This full-bodied wine is firm and muscular but with enough baby fat that you could try one now if you had a big steak on hand. The lingering, dusty finish adds savory tones of black olive and dried herbs. 2,605 cases produced.

- Joe Czerwinski (07/2024)