2022 Pride Mountain Claret Napa/Sonoma Reserve
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Tasting notes
The 2022 Claret Reserve is basically two-thirds Vintner Select and one-third Vintner Select Cabernet Sauvignon. That's a blend that works exceptionally well. It offers up copious dark-toned fruit, leather, licorice, gravel, incense, dried herbs, menthol and scorched earth. The Cabernet portion speaks with a loud voice, especially in how it shapes the aromatics and structure. Superb.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2022 Reserve Claret checks in as a blend of 62% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc that was brought up in 50% new oak. Both red and black fruits, as well as spicy oak, graphite, and smoky tobacco notes, define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with ripe, integrated tannins, terrific balance, and a great finish. It's a solid success in the vintage, and while it's already drinking nicely, it should have 15 years of overall longevity.
Always Merlot-based, the 2022 Claret Reserve is 67% Merlot and 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, drawn primarily from the Napa side of the property (61%). Aged 20 months in 50% new French oak, it exudes aromas of mixed red and black cherries and hints of cedar and vanilla. It's medium- to full-bodied, weighing in at 14.5% alcohol, with a rich velvety texture that turns just a bit coarse on the finish. Give it a few years in the cellar to sort itself out.