Pahlmeyer Red Bordeaux Blend Napa Valley Jayson 2005

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+ .

A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, the outstanding 2004 Proprietary Red Wine possesses a deep ruby/purple color in addition to notes of vanilla, espresso roast, black currants, plums, and licorice. This rich, full-bodied, flamboyant, lush, heady red is best consumed over the next 12-15 years.

Bright medium ruby. Black fruits, violet, graphite and wild spices on the nose. Sweet and lush, with concentrated flavors of crushed dark berries and spices; a whiff of menthol adds freshness. The long finish features sweet, broad, tongue-coating tannins and a suggestion of sour candy. This was a bit awkward from barrel a year ago but has turned out very well.

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.

Plump and generous, with fleshy currant, blackberry and black cherry fruit that's supple and focused. Ripe without going overboard. Finishes with a burst of sweet ripe currant and blackberry fruit and ripe tannins. Best from 2007 through 2012.

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 25andndash;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+.

This Cabernet Sauvignon is a powerhouse red that can be drunk now or will age well for twenty years. 96 points Robert Parker!