The 2022 Claret Reserve is basically two-thirds Vintner Select Merlot 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. 

-By Antonio Galloni on November 2025

Bold and generous aromas of blood plums, blackcurrants, mocha and graphite. The palate is full-bodied with fine tannins and integrated acidity, giving notes of mulberries, licorice, cedar and dried herbs. Rich and generous. 

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.

The Reserve Clarity includes 2% Cabernet Franc in the blend and is composed of 39% Sonoma County fruit and 61% Napa County fruit. It was barrel-aged for 20 months in 50% new French oak. Pride Mountain Vineyards straddles the top of the Mayacamas Range atop Spring Mountain at around 2,000 feet in elevation, with the Napa–Sonoma county line running through the property, hence the dual-county composition of many of its red wines. This blend is racy and red-fruit driven, with aromas of sagebrush and cedarwood. On the palate, satiny textures give way to saline acidity, wet-slate minerality and savoury notes of olive tapenade and salted dark chocolate.

Tasted by: Jonathan Cristaldi