Pride Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay 2023
(Napa Valley, California) - [VM 91]

 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 2023 Pride Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay is a beautiful, generous expression of Napa Valley fruit at its freshest and finest. The 2023 growing season was long and even, which layered in profound complexity to this wine. Overflowing with aromas of juicy pear and nectarines, the first sip is dominated by mouthwatering minerality,  balanced by a delightful salinity, and accented by an intriguing touch of lime zest. While this wine is perfect for pairing with Thanksgiving dinner or fresh Dungeness crab, it will equally captivate you when enjoying a glass or two on its own.

Ratings & Reviews:

95 Points -James Suckling:
"Precise aromas of lemon curd, flint, pastry and white flowers, The palate is medium-bodied with a creamy texture and focused acidity, giving notes of grapefruit, lime zest and orange blossoms. A nice balance between power and finesse. Drink or hold." - (Dec 2024)

91 Points - Vinous:
The 2023 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) is bright, focused and quite steely in this vintage. White pepper, mint, sage and crushed rocks meld into a core of vibrant citrus-driven fruit. This is an especially focused style for Pride, largely the result of the year.