Pride Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay 2024
(Napa Valley, California) - [DM 94] [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. 

About the Wine:
The 2024 vintage was defined by strong winter rains leading to healthy canopies for rapidly ripening the grapes. While this led to a whirlwind of a compact harvest season, the Pride 2024 Chardonnay perfectly showcases the freshness possible from such a vintage. Mineral and focused, this wine first calls to mind river stones drying in the sun. The tension slowly unfurls to release aromas of fresh nectarine punctuated by fresh lime zest and a hint of bergamot. A vibrant energy resonates through the first sip, building to a rich but pleasingly juicy crescendo. The brightness holds steady before unfurling into a long, orderly finish. At only 10% new barrels, the balance of freshness and barrel aging yields something akin to grapefruit brûlée; fresh fruit with the slightest kiss of toasted sweetness.

Ratings & Reviews

94 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Winemaker Matt Ward, formerly of Atelier Melka, joined Pride Mountain Vineyards in August 2022. This Chardonnay is sourced from a couple of sites in Carneros and one in the Oak Knoll District, and is entirely barrel-fermented with 10% new French oak for up to 7-8 months. It’s a beautifully bright, crisp, sea-spray-driven wine, showing rich lemon and lime character alongside crisp, crunchy orchard fruit. White flowers add sumptuous lift, and the palate reveals impressive depth of flavour. Tension-driven and full of energy. (Drink between 2025-2035)" - Jonathan Cristaldi (Nov 2025)

91 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2024 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) is terrific. Bright, lithe and nuanced, the 2024 strikes a balance between crispness and a bit more generosity vis-à-vis the 2023. Lemon peel, crushed rocks, mint, slate and white pepper are very nicely delineated throughout. (Drink between 2025-2030)" - Antonio Galloni (Nov 2025)