Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
(Napa / Sonoma, California) - [VM 95] [WA 95+] [JD 94]

About the Winery:

Nestled in the Mayacamas Mountains between St. Helena and Santa Rosa, the picturesque 235 acre estate of Pride Mountain Vineyards sprawls across Spring Mountain at roughly 2,100 feet, six miles up a winding, narrow road above St. Helena.  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. As a result, the flavors of these wines tend to be rich with ripe black fruits, "balance, nuance, and complexity." They are made to be approachable at a young age with the capability to age beneficially for 10-15 years. Their first wine was produced in 1991.

Notes from the Winemaker:
Our Rock Arch vineyard block, the primary source for this wine, is still going strong after 38 years. This fruit is some of the most unique that we farm, pruned to vertical cordons that create an ideal dappled-light environment for the clusters to ripen in. To this core component we added 11% cabernet from our Carolyn's block for roundness, 5% cabernet from our Jim's block for vibrancy and 2% petit verdot for acidity and floral notes. With an intense blue-black color and a finish that just won't quit, it's no wonder this wine is at the apex of our portfolio.

Technical Data
Appellation: Sonoma / Napa
Vintage: 2017
Harvest: October 2017
Fermentation: Stainless Steel
Cooperage: French Oak
Blend: 98% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Petit Verdot
Alcohol: 14.5%

Tasting Notes

Black currant, dark chocolate, blueberry, ripe cherry, mint, tea and subtle cedar notes define this complex and brooding wine. The texture is intense and layered, with a corset of velvety tannin that underscores its pure mountain pedigree.

95 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is ample and expressive right out of the bottle. Ripe red berry fruit, cedar, tobacco, licorice and blood orange all build in the glass as this mid-weight, juicy Cabernet shows off its considerable charms. Best of all, the 2017 Reserve will be ready to drink with just a few years in bottle, which is so rare for this wine. There is some graininess in the tannin. I expect that will always remain as a marker of this very challenging growing season." - Antonio Galloni (Jan 2021)

95+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Composed of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve comes from 84% Sonoma County and 16% Napa County. Deep garnet-purple in color, it charges out of the glass with bold notes of crème de cassis, redcurrant jelly and Black Forest cake followed by nuances of red roses, cinnamon stick, unsmoked cigars and dusty soil with a touch of oolong tea. The medium to full-bodied palate is chock-full of mouth-coating red and black fruit preserves, supported by ripe, finely grained tannins and beautiful freshness, finishing long and perfumed. 1,452 cases were made." - Lisa Perrotti-Brown (30th Sep 2019)

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve does well in the vintage and has a beautiful elegance and purity that's already hard to resist. Lots of blackcurrants, spice, candied violets, tobacco, and a touch of chocolate give way to a medium to full-bodied, flawlessly balanced Cabernet delivering great tannins (which is not a given in this vintage), a great mid-palate, and the structure and overall class to evolve for 20 years or more. It's a beautiful 2017 well worth seeking out." (1/27/21)