2021 Pahlmeyer 'Jayson' Proprietary Red Napa Valley
The 2021 Jayson Red Wine is rich and fleshy, with mountain-grown Merlot at its core. Expressive aromas of crushed black cherry, mushroom, and leather lead to a ripe, focused palate of black cherry and black currant laced with mocha and toasty spice. The mid-palate is mouth-filling and plush with caressing polished tannins that guide the interlaid flavors long through a pure, persistent finish.
Jayson Pahlmeyer's mission from the outset has been clear: “industrial strength wines.” His megawatt personality is reflected in his wines, which regularly push the ripeness envelope. An absolute contrarian to the traditional “wine as a meal complement” philosophy, Jayson wants wines that are a meal unto themselves. The critics have noted his success with Robert Parker commenting “Things just seem to get better and better at Pahlmeyer, a long-standing, brilliant, remarkably consistent source for one of Napa's finest Merlots, Chardonnays, and Pinot Noirs.” There’s no question that these are wines that are built for maximum palate impact, but there’s substance behind the flash. While the grapes are picked ultra-ripe, they’re not out of balance. With Bibiana González Rave at the winemaking helm, the wines have never been better, and the Wayfarer project in Fort Ross is on the brink of becoming a new icon.
James Suckling
Aromas of blackcurrants come through clearly along with hints of lead pencil. It’s medium- to full-bodied with fine velvety tannins and a flavorful finish. Caressing texture and not overdone. Lovely now to drink as a young wine but it will be even better in three to five years.
Wine Enthusiast
This mouthfilling and gentle-textured blend based on 76% Merlot floods the palate with late-picked blueberries and cherries that are layered with vanilla and milk chocolate nuances for an almost sweet effect on the palate and finish. The wine is luscious enough to drink soon, and through 2032.