2009 Pride Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Napa/Sonoma Reserve

Saturated bright ruby. Slightly inky scents of briary blueberry and blackberry, bitter chocolate and violet, along with a tarry nuance. Densely packed, youthfully primary Cabernet with a lovely restrained sweetness to its very intense flavors of mountain berries, minerals and dark chocolate. Firm, harmonious acidity leavens the wine's thickness. Finishes very long and firmly tannic, with no rough edges. An excellent showing, but give this slowly evolving wine some time in a decanter and then enjoy it for its sweetness and thrust. This fruit was harvested in November, well after the period of rain in early October. (14.9% alcohol)

(14.9% alcohol; all Cabernet Sauvignon; picked in November after some early-October rain that allowed for more hang time without dehydration of the grapes): Medium ruby-red. Aromas of dark berries, violet and flowers are complicated by exotic citrus and white peach notes. Sweet, smooth and seamless, with a lovely fine-grained texture and good lift to the very primary dark fruit, mineral and tar flavors. Boasts outstanding intensity, balance and sweetness of fruit, with nothing overdone about it. The youthful finish features very silky tannins. One can see the positive effect of the gentler destemmer here.

There is no question the 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is the most backward and brooding of the wines I tasted from Pride. Firm tannins frame an expressive core of dark red berries, licorice, scorched earth, tobacco, smoke and incense. Today, the 2009 is far too young to offer true pleasure, but it is unquestionably striking. Hints of iron, graphite and smoke add complexity on the finish supported by huge mountain tannins. The 2009 is super distinctive and loaded with personality.