2009 Pride Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Napa/Sonoma

The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon flows across the palate with serious depth, power and richness. Dark raspberries, grilled herbs, tobacco, chocolate and licorice are all woven together in a rich, sumptuous wine of notable pedigree. A super-ripe, racy finish supported by firm yet well-integrated tannins rounds things in style. Anticipated maturity: 2017-2028. These current releases from Pride are impressive for their consistency across the board. Pride does so many things well these days. Most of the reds I tasted were 2009s, a vintage Steve Pride and winemaker Sally Johnson describe as cooler than average, but warmer than either 2010 or 2011. Most of the fruit was brought in between the end of October and early November, quite late for the year, but a great example of how fruit matures on this property, which straddles Napa and Sonoma in the heart of Spring Mountain. Tel. (707) 963-4949

(blended with 11% merlot and 4% petit verdot): Bright, medium ruby-red. Aromatic nose combines blueberry, blackberry, tar, espresso and mint. High-toned and intense in the mouth, with the minty blueberry character and harmonious acidity giving the wine an enticing juicy quality. Finishes with firm but fine tannins and the structure to age well. I'd hold this for at least two or three years before pulling the cork.