Intense, with a racy edge to the pure and persistent flavors of citrus, nectarine, and ripe pear. Long and cleansing on the finish. Drink now through 2018. - J.L.

The 2011 Chardonnay Vintner’s Select, which comes from Pride’s mountain top estate vineyard, is a limited production (331 cases) beauty that spent time in 25% new oak, but you would never know that from its aromatics and flavors. Lots of honeysuckle, orange blossom and lemon oil scents jump from the glass of this medium to full-bodied white. It was put through partial malolactic to retain its acidity and delineation. Consume it over the next 4-5 years. As always, this winery situated at the crest of Spring Mountain on both sides of the Napa/Sonoma counties boundary, has turned out a portfolio of interesting as well as satisfying wines. Amazingly, Pride Mountain Vineyards now owns over 85 acres at high elevation sites spread over the top of Spring Mountain. Pride Mountain’s two flagship offerings are much more limited in availability, with only 569 cases of the 2010 Claret Reserve and 1,365 cases of the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.