2013 Pahlmeyer Raison D'Etre
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Tasting notes
Nearly its match is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Raison d’Etre, a blend of 100% estate fruit consisting of 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Merlot. There is more of this to go around the country – 200 cases. There is not much difference in power, massive extract, richness, length and profound aromatics and flavors, as this is just a prodigious wine. Perhaps the dosage of Merlot gives this more chocolate and espresso than the Pièce De Résistance, but it is a stunningly big, thick, juicy wine that somehow maintains balance and delineation. Drink it over the next 35+ years.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Crème de cassis, menthol, licorice, lavender and spice notes emerge from the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Raison d'Etre. Inky, powerful and voluptuous, the 2013 captures all the best qualities of the Pahlmeyer style. Even with all of its obvious concentration, the 2013 preserves a good deal of freshness and plenty of mountain tannin. This is a terrific showing. (AG)
The 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Raison d'Etre is a bit more precise than the Piece de Resistance, with more energy, tension and nuance, but less in the way of overtness. That is in relative terms, of course, as the Pahlmeyer wines are never shy. Graphite, lavender, smoke and blue/purplish fruit are some of the signatures in a wine that captures both the intensity and energy of this great Napa Valley vintage. The alcohol is just a touch lower here as well.
Crushed rocks, sage, melted road tar, French oak, incense and new leather are some of the notes that inform the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Raison d'Etre. Overall, the 2013 possesses striking detail and nuance, not to mention tons of mountain character, with persistent veins of graphite and mineral-inflected nuances that add energy. The 2013 is 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and 20% Merlot, both from Waters Ranch.