A blend of 61% Napa and 39% Sonoma fruit, don't think that it's a coincidence that those numbers line up with the varietal breakdown of 61% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot in Pride's 2019 Claret Reserve. Regardless of the math, the pleasure is in the glass, starting with a dense, impenetrable garnet hue, then proceeding into intense aromas of loamy earth, vanilla, cassis and black cherries. In the mouth, this is full-bodied but not oversized, tannic but not overly astringent. The overall impression is silky and nearly approachable but with the concentration and balance to age for a couple of decades. For the undeniably impressive quality, both this wine and the Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve are relative values.

Composed of 54% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Claret Reserve comes from 66% Sonoma County and 34% Napa County. Medium garnet-purple colored, it rolls effortlessly out of the glass with provocative plum preserves, baked black cherries and blackberry compote notes plus hints of spice cake, Christmas pudding and Chinese five spice with a touch of licorice. The medium to full-bodied palate is oh-so-soft and plush, coating the mouth with spicy black fruit preserves, finishing long with a peppery kick. 558 cases were made.

The 2016 Claret Reserve is made up of 68% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot, aged in roughly 50% new oak, with 54% of the fruit from Napa County and 46% from Sonoma County. Deep garnet-purple colored, it slowly builds on the nose from a foundation of warm cassis, red and black plums, mulberries and fresh blackberries into fragrant potpourri, oolong tea, bouquet garni and forest floor notes with wafts of tapenade and truffles. Full-bodied, the palate is completely filled with bold, expressive black fruits and earthy nuances, framed by firm, ripe, rounded tannins and finishing with great length and depth. 558 cases were made.

Composed of 60% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot coming 38% from Napa Valley and 62% from Sonoma County, the 2015 Claret Reserve reveals a deep garnet color and offers up seductively spicy notions of Christmas cake, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon stick over a core of baked plums, blueberry pie and potpourri plus wafts of fried herbs and charcuterie. Medium to full-bodied, the plush textured palate delivers mouth-filling black fruit preserves and savory layers with a lively backbone and a long spicy finish. 536 cases were made.

Composed of 56% Merlot and 44% Cabernet Sauvignon, with 77% coming from Sonoma and 23% from Napa, the 2014 Claret Reserve is medium to deep garnet-purple in color and offers notes of mulberries, warm plums, red currant jelly and kirsch with hints of underbrush, cigar box and pencil lead. Medium-bodied, soft, elegantly fruited and very earthy in the mouth, it has a nice suggestion of chew to the texture and plenty of invigorating freshness, finishing with great length.