While tasting the Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Proprietary Red 2018, which has the highest percentage of Stagecoach that Pahlmeyer has ever seen in a Proprietary Red, James notes that there's a presence of fine, silky tannins, compared with coarse tannins from previous wines, which winemaker Katie Vogt puts down to "phenomenal fruit" and "impeccable farming."
She adds: "My perspective on blending is really managing that finish and managing those tannins. I think these wines are big and opulent, but I think it's important to have a little bit of acid and balance in the tannin." James agrees, saying "there's a real transparency and weightlessness to it."
Check out their Zoom chat to find out Katie's preference between the 2018 and 2019, hear her thoughts on syrah, and to listen to both her and James' comments while tasting Pahlmayer's Chardonnay 2019.
Pahlmeyer Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Jayson 2019
Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Proprietary Red 2018
Pahlmeyer Chardonnay Napa Valley 2019