Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Proprietary Red 2005

"The 2005 Proprietary Red is significantly better than what I tasted last year, although I certainly gave it a high score. This wine has fleshed out beautifully. The final blend (84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec) has a deep purple color, a beautifully sweet nose of blackberries and cassis intermixed with some meatiness, smoke, and a touch of pain grille as well as notes of espresso and licorice. Full-bodied, rich, with decent acidity, excellent delineation, and moderately high tannin, this is a beauty that should evolve for 25-30+ years It is no wimpish wine at 15.2% natural alcohol, but that is buried beneath a cascade of gorgeous fruit and glycerin. This wine should be cruising along brilliantly in 2030+."

96 Points

The Wine Advocate

"Pahlmeyer will never be accused of undue winemaking restraint, and its latest red-wine opus is draughted in the deep, highly ripened, very big-bodied style for which the label is famed. An absolutely mouthfilling effort that is piled high with layers of curranty fruit, raspberries, sweet oak, caramel and loamy spice, it is so rich that it verges on sweetness at times. It wants for at least another five or six years of aging and, even then, it will need to be paired with the richest, most succulent meat dishes."

95 Points

Connoisseurs' Guide

"Ripe, rich and complex, with layers of black cherry, wild berry, currant and cherry kirsch flavors that are bold, rich and persistent, ending with a long, intense yet elegant aftertaste. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Drink now through 2015."

94 Points

Wine Spectator

"Good saturated red-ruby. Pungent aromas of cassis and violet, with a whiff of smoked meat. Densely packed, layered and thick; a step up in depth from the merlot. This boasts a chocolatey richness to its sweet dark fruit flavors. Finishes supple, lush, broad and long, with substantial sweet tannins and a lingering note of chocolate. "

94 Points

International Wine Cellar