95 Points - Wine Spectator #9 Wine of the Year
Pahlmeyer Chardonnay Napa Valley 2015
Pahlmeyer Chardonnay Napa Valley 2015
Our first perfect score from Robert Parker
Robb Report features our big yet approachable Jayson Cabernet Sauvignon
Robb Report on our exclusive Pièce de Résistance Cabernet Sauvignon
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Raison d'Etre is a barrel selection wine, made entirely from estate fruit and bottled in late May 2018. Composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Cabernet Franc and 1% Merlot, it's deep garnet purple in color and features a beguiling array of black berry, black cherry, warm blueberry and cassis notes with sparks of cigar box, wood smoke, charcuterie and Chinese five spices plus a touch of dried Mediterranean herbs. Full, rich, concentrated and seductive in the mouth, the juxtaposition between the firm, superbly ripe, velvety frame, fantastic freshness and the depth of fruit is just incredible! It finishes multilayered and so compelling you will be reaching for that glass as soon as you put it down. 100 cases made.
"Deep garnet-purple in color, the 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Raison D'Etre delivers a profoundly scented nose of plum preserves, mocha, crushed black currants and black forest cake with hints of licorice, cedar chest, baking spices and violets. The rich, decadent, full-bodied palate offers a wall of black fruit preserves accented by spicy layers, with soft, rounded tannins and a lively lift on the epically long finish."
Nearly its match is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Raison d’Etre, a blend of 100% estate fruit consisting of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot. There is not much difference in power, massive extract, richness, length and profound aromatics and flavors, as this is just a prodigious wine. Perhaps the dosage of Merlot gives this more chocolate and espresso than the Pièce De Résistance, but it is a stunningly big, thick, juicy wine that somehow maintains balance and delineation. Drink it over the next 35+ years.