2002 Pride Mountain Claret Napa Valley Reserve
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Tasting notes
The 2002 Reserve Claret (two-thirds Merlot, one-third Cabernet Sauvignon and a tiny dollop of Petit Verdot) is the most flashy, exuberant and flamboyant of this trio. Close to full maturity, it offers complex, intense, pervasive notes of unsmoked cigar tobacco, licorice, graphite, spring flowers, blueberries and blackberries. Gorgeous ripeness, full-bodied opulence, decent acidity, and ripe, silky tannin make for a hedonistic as well as intellectually provocative wine. This rich, mountain-styled proprietary red can be drunk now and over the next 10-12 years. This enviable and venerable winery high on top Spring Mountain straddles the Napa and Sonoma county lines. These three sensational 2002s are all capable of lasting another 10-15+ years. Tel. (707) 963-4949
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(two-thirds merlot and one-third cabernet sauvignon) Good deep ruby. Knockout nose combines currant, cedar, licorice and tobacco. Large-scaled, thick and rich, with compelling density and sweetness. This has superb depth and an intriguing minerality. Finishes with horizontal tannins and superb vinosity and persistence.