2014 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red Napa

This wine has a deep garnet rim with a dark burgundy-hued core. A nose of sweet vanilla, cigar and blackberry carries over onto the soft, voluptuous palate. Ripe fruit flavors are accented with notes of licorice, graphic slate and unsweetened chocolate powder, while hints of dark roasted coffee show up on the very edges of the tongue.

Composition

87% Cabernet Sauvignon

5% Merlot

4% Malbec

3% Cabernet Franc

1% Petit Verdot

Vineyards

Pahlmeyer Estate Vineyard, Rancho Chimiles, Stagecoach

(95 Points) A remarkable effort, engagingly rich and concentrated, with a deep, firm mix of licorice-shaded blackberry, currant, graphite, dried herb and cedary oak notes. The flavors hold and gain, leading to a persistent finish that keeps echoing the core elements. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2030. 5,000 cases made.  James Laube, Wine Spectator, June 15, 2017