2021 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red

the Pahlmeyer winery

Pahlmeyer has been a Napa Valley icon for decades. Founded by Jayson Pahlmeyer, who was one of the first to bring Bordeaux grapes to California with the ambition to create world-class wines, the wine has been created under the guidance of winemaker Katie Vogt since 2019, who continues the legacy of precision and expression. Under her leadership, Pahlmeyer has become one of the most refined producers of luxury Napa wines within the Gallo family. Vogt is known for her ability to craft powerful wines that are simultaneously elegant, layered, and long-lived.

region and terroir of Napa Valley

The grapes for the 2021 Proprietary Red come from some of Napa Valley's finest high-elevation vineyards. Approximately 61% of the harvest comes from Pahlmeyer's own vineyards, Stagecoach and Waters Ranch, while 35% comes from Upper Range and 4% from Vangone. Each vineyard contributes to the wine's complex character: Stagecoach brings power and intensity, Upper Range adds classic mountain Cabernet with spicy nuances, Waters Ranch provides balance and depth, while Vangone adds extra richness and concentration. The soils consist of volcanic rock and clay, with cooler nights that allow for slow ripening and refined aromatic expression.

the wine 2021 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red

The 2021 blend consists of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Merlot, 1.5% Petit Verdot, and 1.5% Malbec. The grapes were harvested by hand, beginning on September 13, 2021. After careful selection, the bunches were destemmed and fermented separately. Each batch was aged separately in nearly new French oak barrels from Taransaud for 20 months. The wine was bottled in July 2023 and received additional bottle aging before release. The alcohol content is 14.9%.

vinification and style according to the winemaker

Katie Vogt describes the 2021 vintage as "powerful yet refined, intense yet seductive." She calls it a low-yield vintage with exceptional quality. "The 2021 Proprietary Red captures the essence of this fantastic year. Aromas of lingonberry and boysenberry interplay with notes of green peppercorn, leather, and forest floor, resulting in a beautifully layered bouquet. The tight structure encloses a core of plum and cassis, with nuances of licorice and nutmeg."

According to Vogt, the wine showcases how the various vineyards come together in a broad, muscular, yet elegant style. The polished tannins create a velvety texture, while the mid-palate is rich with stewed blackberries and subtle spice. She believes this wine is designed to develop harmoniously over the next twenty years.

tasting notes according to The Wine Advocate

Joe Czerwinski of The Wine Advocate rated the 2021 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red 96+ points. He described it as a wine with dominant aromas of cassis, black cherry, dark chocolate, and a hint of pencil shavings. On the palate, the wine is full and muscular, retaining some youthful power but also sufficiently soft to enjoy now with a large piece of meat. The finish is long and complex, with notes of black olive, dried herbs, and a light dusting. According to Czerwinski, the wine combines power and elegance in an impressively balanced blend that will reach its peak between 2028 and 2045.

color, smell and taste

The 2021 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red reveals a deep ruby red color with purple glints in the glass. The aroma opens with red and dark berries, lingonberry, cassis, and plum, followed by layers of cedar, leather, and forest floor. On the palate, the wine is rich and structured, with a core of ripe black fruit, subtle spice, and notes of dark chocolate. The tannins are polished yet powerful, and the mid-palate reveals nuances of blackberry compote, licorice, and freshly grated nutmeg. The finish is long and balanced, with a beautiful tension between fruit, acidity, and oak. This wine has an imposing yet refined personality typical of top-quality mountain Cabernet.

storage potential

The 2021 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red is a wine that will evolve gracefully over the next two decades. It is still young and expressive, but its structure, tannins, and acidity suggest it will last until at least 2045. As the wine ages, notes of leather, tobacco, and truffle will develop, while the fruit softens and deepens. For those with the patience to age it, a wine of great complexity and harmony awaits.

Would you like to order Pahlmeyer wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pick up" at checkout. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address: https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/bezoek-ons . You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others.

Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers. https://www.grandcruwijnen.nl/sommy

recommended wine and food pairings

• Grilled ribeye with rosemary and black pepper butter. The wine's rich texture perfectly complements the juicy meat and spicy jus.
• Venison fillet with a dark chocolate and juniper berry sauce. The wine's dark fruit notes and subtle spiciness enhance the dish's earthy character.
• Roast lamb with thyme jus and roasted vegetables. The wine balances spice and freshness, elevating the dish.
• Porcini and Parmesan risotto. The creamy texture of the risotto is balanced by the vibrant acidity of the wine.
• Roasted duck breast with cherry compote and roasted parsnips. The wine's fruity notes harmonize beautifully with the sweet and savory elements of the dish.