2008 PAHLMEYER PROPRIETARY RED NAPA VALLEY
Technical Notes
- Harvested: September 24 to October 28, 2008
- Vineyards: Pahlmeyer Waters Ranch, Stagecoach & Rancho Chimiles
- Bottled: April 20, 2010
- Composition: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec
- Alcohol: 15.2%
- Winemaker: Erin Green
Winemaking Notes
The grape clusters were hand-sorted, and once de-stemmed, the berries were sorted again by hand on the way to tank. After four to five days of pre-fermentation cold maceration in small open-top fermentors, the fruit began 100% native yeast fermentation. Two to three weeks later, the fruit was gently pressed and moved to barrel where it finished primary and secondary fermentations. The wine continued to age in 85% new French oak – a combination of Taransaud and St. Martin barrels – for eighteen months. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Tasting Notes
“The 2008 Proprietary Red has presence, complexity and richness. Juicy layers of blueberry, huckleberry and blackberry fold upon layers of pure cocoa and just-shaved pencil lead. The thick, smooth, firm tannin structure leaves a lasting impression and will allow this wine to cellar beautifully for years to come.” – Erin Green, Winemaker
