Pride Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay 2020
(Napa Valley, California) - [WA 92] [JD 90] [VM 90]

 About the Winery:
Nestled in the Mayacamas Mountains between St. Helena and Santa Rosa, the picturesque 235 acre estate of Pride Mountain it Vineyards sprawls across Spring Mountain at roughly 2,100 feet, six miles up a winding, narrow road above St. Helena. 

Pride Mountain Vineyards sits high atop Napa Valley’s Spring Mountain, at the site of the historic Summit Ranch, where wine grapes have been grown since 1885. 

Their first wine was produced in 1991. The winery produces unique wines in contrast to those made in the neighboring valleys. The vineyards are set above the fog line, which enables the grapes to be exposed to California's hot sun from dawn to dusk. 

With primarily south-facing exposures, the mountain has become a bit too warm to grow Chardonnay outside of one shaded parcel by the ruins. Steve Pride and winemaker, Sally Johnson, have developed partnerships in the cooler areas of Napa, enabling us to produce a style of Chardonnay that embraces the finesse for which our 

wines are known. 

Tasting Notes:
The pretty flavors are dominated by quince and Bosc pear with nuances of beeswax, marjoram and gardenia adding intrigue and a lovely minerality persisting throughout. A pleasing tension between viscosity and acidity plays out on the palate with the bright acidity emerging triumphant. This flavorful, fresh, balanced wine represents everything they are aiming for in chardonnay at Pride Mountain Vineyards.

Technical Data

Ratings & Reviews

92 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"The 2020 Chardonnay slowly unfurls to reveal notes of key lime pie, yuzu and lemongrass, plus minerally suggestions of wet pebbles, chalk dust and brine. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers exhilarating tension and a zippy backbone, breaking through to fantastic citrusy intensity and a long chalky finish. 1,945 cases were made."

90 Points - Vinous:

The 2020 Chardonnay is bright and floral, with lovely energy and tons of character. Lemon peel, white flowers and white pepper give the 2020 a brilliant upper register. Partially blocked malolactic fermentation keeps the flavors vibrant. Most of this fruit is from a site in Carneros.

90 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"There are two Chardonnays from this estate. Starting with the 2020 Chardonnay, it reveals a light gold hue as well as attractive notes of honeyed citrus and subtle tropical fruits, as well as a touch of brioche and spice. Nicely textured, medium-bodied, and balanced, it's well done and will keep for 2-4 years."