Pahlmeyer Red 2019

Serious and sophisticated, this opulent wine drips with concentrated blueberries, black cherries and dark chocolate on a massive frame of tannins that is surprisingly velvety and enticing. Subtle oak spices like graphite, espresso and crema add tasty nuances. Katie Vogt blended this beauty from 77% Cabernet Sauvignon, plus Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2025-2035.

Mainly off the estate vineyard and mainly Cabernet Sauvignon (77%), Pahlmeyer's 2019 Proprietary Red spent 18 months in almost all new French oak. Gentle herbal notes accent cherry and cassis on the nose of this full-bodied wine, which manages to be rich and velvety without ever being heavy. Waves of ripe fruit, cedary oak and savory loam linger on the long, elegant finish. This should drink well for up to two decades.

Blackberries, blackcurrants and hints of mint. Full-bodied with very fine, velvety tannins. Turns firm and structured with a fine chewiness and a caressing mouth-feel. Lively, too. 77% cabernet sauvignon and 15% merlot, the rest petit verdot and cabernet franc. Very attractive now, but will be better in four to five years. Try after 2026.