Pahlmeyer Proprietary Napa Red 2021

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.

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.

The 2021 Proprietary Red is another deep, potent wine from Pahlmeyer. It benefits from the inclusion of blenders, which add pretty aromatic tap notes. Dark red-toned fruit, blood orange, spice, menthol and licorice all race across the palate. Pahlmeyer fans will love this.

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.