WTN: Casting a Pahlmeyer

[David M. Bueker]

• 2001 Pahlmeyer Proprietary Red - USA, California, Napa Valley (8/24/2026)
  Given the extreme ripeness of the 2001 Pahlmeyer wines it’s hard to define a line between pure overripeness and just collapse of a wine with insufficient structure to support any amount of aging. This might have been past its best 15 years ago. In any event it’s soupy, pruney, syrupy goop with no resemblance to anything other than pancake topping. I’ve had better bottles of this in the last few years, but this one was dreadful.

Had me scared when I saw that but when I checked I had earlier 90s vintages. Nonetheless it is time to get into them! Pulled a 94 Merlot for a friend coming over this afternoon and will post a note.

[David M. Bueker]

The ‘97 and ‘98 Pahlmeyer wines I have opened from Dad’s cellar have been much better. You may have a very good result, as ‘94 is before ripeness went crazy.