Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red 2018 (750ML)

98 JS / 97 VM / 96+ WA

Blackberries and wild berries on the nose with hints of incense and ink, following through to a full body with super integrated tannins and a long, linear finish. It’s structured, yet so polished and integrated, the tannins spreading beautifully across the palate. Caressing, like silk. This has a higher percentage of Stagecoach Vineyard. Drinkable now, but better in 2024 and onwards.-James Suckling

The 2018 Proprietary Red is every bit as magnificent as it was from barrel, if not more so. It's just a great expression of the year. Rich and explosive, with tremendous depth, the 2018 possesses tremendous richness right out of the gate. Black cherry, plum, chocolate, new leather and spice soar out of the glass. The 2018 Proprietary Red is, sadly, the only wine Pahlmeyer will bottle in 2018, as fires were an issue at the estate vineyard on Atlas Peak. Vinous Media

Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red Blend is fairly shut down to begin. With swirling, it delivers vibrant scents of fresh blackcurrant and black berries plus hints of wild thyme, damp soil, black olives and pencil lead. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is tightly wound with loads of herbal and mineral sparks among the crunchy black fruits, with a firm, grainy texture and a lively backbone, finishing with tons of energy and persistence. Lisa Perrotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate