2005 Pride Mountain, Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 1×1.5L

Robert Parker 96

Almost as impressive is the 2005 Cabernet Reserve, a blend of 95.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4.5 % Petit Verdot, in this case sourced 58% from Sonoma County and 42% from Napa. Its 14.5% alcohol is slightly lower than its sibling’s. This full-bodied wine is very concentrated, with a saturated bluish/purple color and a classic nose of mocha and espresso intermixed with creme de cassis and charcoal. The finish is a good 40-45 seconds, and the wine has a remarkable vibrancy and freshness from the vintage’s acidity. This is terrific stuff to drink now and over the next 12-15 years. [26/06/2015]

Anticipated maturity: 2015-2030

Vinous 92+

Bright, saturated ruby. Very ripe, almost porty aromas of blackberry, cassis, sexy spicy oak, espresso and dark chocolate. A plush, spicy, oaky fruit bomb, offering captivating sweetness to its black raspberry, black cherry, dusty herb and coffee flavors but also more energy and definition than the winery’s basic Cabernet bottling. This slightly medicinal, no-holds-barred, hugely tannic mountain wine still has a long future ahead of it. And it has the stuffing to support its slightly high-toned oak. [Stephen Tanzer, 05/01/2016]

Anticipated maturity: 2019-2032