Pahlmeyer “Les Élus”
Les Élus: “The Chosen,” Our Member-Exclusive Masterpieces
The ultimate expression of Pahlmeyer, these highly allocated limited-production releases are only made in the most exceptional of vintages.
Current Release
2021
The 2021 “Pièce de Résistance” is a commanding expression of mountain Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing the profound concentration and intensity of the vintage. Inky dark crimson in the glass, the wine reveals captivating aromas of ripe plum, leather, and subtle tea leaf, underpinned by a delicate floral lift of violet and lavender. The palate is equally powerful: dark, concentrated, and incredibly rich, with layers of rich black plum, blackberry, and blueberry framed by thick, velvety tannins that evolve beautifully over time. A streak of vibrant acidity balances the bold structure and ensures exceptional aging potential. The finish lingers with an echo of cracked black pepper, graphite, and cocoa nib. Decanting is recommended for early enjoyment, but this wine will reward patience, revealing even greater depth and dimension over the next 25 years.
– Katie Vogt, Winemaker
Vintages
Current Release
2021
I’ve never tasted a Cabernet Franc like this — so finely detailed, harmonious, and complete. The wine opens with layered aromas of bramble berries, spicy, earthy clove, and freshly ground anise seed. The palate is full-bodied and plush, with a juicy, expansive fruit core and a touch of warming spice, underscored by savory notes of forest floor, crushed rock, and graphite. A beautiful floral lift of violet emerges mid-palate, accompanied by a persistent finish of macerated blackcurrant, plum, and cassis, as polished, well-integrated tannins counterbalance fresh acidity. While approachable now, the wine has the potential to age gracefully for the next two decades. A couple of hours in the decanter will enhance its already impressive complexity.
— Katie Vogt, Winemaker
Vintages
Current Release
2023
In the remarkable 2023 vintage, Block GM5 at Stagecoach Vineyard consistently emerged as the standout lot, earning its place as the vintage’s perpetual standout. This single 2.3-acre block of Old Wente clone, planted in 2015 at 1,600 feet elevation, showcased extraordinary expression throughout the cool growing season. After malolactic fermentation — during which the wine was stirred biweekly — it became evident that this was undeniably the very best of the vintage—one of those wines that, tasting it in the cellar as it evolved, truly thrilled. The wine was aged in 100% new François Frères heavy toast oak puncheons and one standard barrel for 17 months — allowing the oak to integrate more subtly, creating a textural element rather than dominant toasty or nutty characteristics. The wine was bottled in March 2024, unfined and unfiltered, representing our finest expression of this exceptional block and vintage. – Katie Vogt
Vintages
Preferred Membership
Join our Collector Community
As a Pahlmeyer member, secure access to our newest and rarest releases, and become part of our vibrant wine community.