Celebrating the holidays with great friends on this occasion, and we found two bottles of the 2019 Pahlmeyer Cab on “last call” at Vinny’s Steakhouse—our host for the evening. Several oenophiles sat among us, and we nearly uncorked a couple Papillions before snatching up these gems instead.

From near and far, and all passing through Fredonia at one point (that includes you and your honorary FSU degree, Doc!), we set aside this December evening to reconnect over steaks and laughter, both in ample supply. I grin thinking of how our jokes have lasted more than three decades, even if now they’re seasoned with comparisons of our latest aches, pains, and meds. We kicked things off with cocktails at the bar (Old Fashioneds led the way) but soon made our way over to the table and the main event.

Seriously, we were pretty locked on the Orin Swift bottles and even had them presented tableside before pivoting to the 2019 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Only good choices, either way! The 2019 Pahlmeyer poured a dense, deep ruby in the glass—it  immediately conveyed richness and the standard of excellence for which Pahlmeyer is known. Swirling the wine released dark fruit notes—black currant and blackberry in particular, with subtle hints of cocoa, vanilla, and even tobacco. This guy was hooked even before taking a first sip!

On the palate, the Cabernet was full-bodied and so very expressive. Its luscious black fruits and rich texture served as worthy backdrop (yes, following our soup/wedge course!) to fillets, strips, and even scallops. The wine’s complexity unfolded gracefully, revealing a faint minerality that made the Pahlmeyer an immediate favorite. It was velvety on the tongue, yet firm enough to create a lingering, balanced finish that demanded another sip.

According to the winery website, grapes for the 2019 vintage come from Pahlmeyer’s acclaimed Napa Valley vineyards, where a “combination of ideal climate, meticulous farming, and precise winemaking coalesce. The diverse terroir—ranging from cooler hillside vineyards to warmer valley floors—contributed to the wine’s complexity and depth, creating a harmonious balance between richness and finesse.”

From the vibrant color to the multilayered flavors and mouthfeel, the 2019 Pahlmeyer Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon showed the winemaker’s pursuit of greatness and commitment to the highest standards. It’s a wine meant to be savored with friends, to mark special moments, and it damn well did on this evening. I know occasions like this are harder to come by, given all the competing priorities in our lives, but great to make it happen—thanks everyone for making it work!