The utterly profound 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve reveals abundant notes of licorice, creme de cassis, unsmoked high class cigar tobacco, and toasty oak. Full-bodied with fabulous depth, richness, and texture as well as a multilayered mouthfeel, sweet tannins, and loads of potential, this stunning wine is capable of lasting 15-20 years. Although this is a Napa report, I took the liberty of including the Pride Mountain Sonoma bottlings since their wines tend to be primarily Bordeaux varietals rather than the Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, etc. that will be covered in the Sonoma report. My apologies to subscribers and the winery for some mistakes I made last year in issue #180, when I listed 2006 instead of 2005 for the Reserve and Vintner's Select wines. This is the strongest portfolio of Pride Mountain wines that has been made under the new winemaker, Sally Johnston, who replaced Bob Foley several years ago. Tel. (707) 963-4949; Fax (707) 963-6039

Developing plum, blackberry, charry wood. Ripe tannins, good concentration and balance between alcohol and fruit.

This is one of the least drinkable of Pride Mountain’s new red wines, simply because it needs time. It’s all primary fruit vs. oak now, with unintegrated blackberry, cherry, currant and mocha flavors fighting it out with smoky caramelized wood and vanilla. Tannins lurk in the background, ready to embrace both sides. Made solidly in the modern cult style of extreme ripeness and high alcohol, it’s a compelling wine that should come into its own sometime late in 2010, and drink well for 6–8 years.——S.H.(5/1/2010)—— 94