Pahlmeyer’s second label uses fruit that doesn’t make the cut for their flagship bottling. That being the case, I’d say fasten your seatbelts for that one, because this bottle is rockin’ good. It’s a black and blue bomber, sleek and stylized with notes of vanilla, soft spice, chocolate and stone minerality present but not interfering with the vibrant fruit. It’s delicious right now, and will continue to integrate over the next five to ten years — but you won’t be able to wait that long. Save the aging for the prime label offerings and enjoy this for its youthful vigor.
Jayson, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
By Rich Cook