Blend: 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Franc
96 Points James Suckling
This is a finely made mountain cabernet sauvignon from a cool, refined vintage. Expressive aromas of black currants, bay laurel, graphite, black olives and violets. The palate is finely constructed, with firm yet focused tannins and bright acidity that leads to a dark-fruited, savory finish with no hard edges. Cabernet sauvignon with touches of petit verdot, merlot and cabernet franc. Drink or hold.
94 Points Decanter
Includes 1% Cabernet Franc. Fermented in stainless steel and aged for up to 18 months in 50% new French oak. This Cabernet is a blend of fruit from across the entire property and represents the estate’s largest production, making it the most widely available in the marketplace. It leaps from the glass with pretty herbal notes of bay laurel, sage, and a hint of mint, alongside subtle dark chocolate tones. Medium-bodied yet richly textured, it shows cassis and cola nut flavours, with tannins that build through to a medium- to full-bodied finish.
93+ Points Jeb Dunnuck
Another impeccably made wine from winemaker Matt Ward, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is a more structured yet classic 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, offering ripe cassis and darker fruits, medium body, firm and building tannins, and outstanding length. Based on 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc and aged 17 months in 50% new French oak, it needs to be forgotten for 3-4 years and will see its 20th birthday in fine form. Drink 2029-2046.
Winemaker Notes
The 2023 Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is a veritable labyrinth for the senses. The dense weave of blackberries, graphite and boysenberries is framed beautifully by sandalwood with a hint of cedar. A bit further in, lovely earthy and savory notes emerge that include sage, whole leaf tobacco, and sweet mint. All of this range of flavor comes together in way that is only possible in a stellar year like 2023, that was slightly cooler than average for us, and only at a unique site like Pride. The mouthwatering range of retronasal flavors lead into a generously opulent expression of cabernet. Full and rich through the mid-palate, the tannin structure builds a pleasing momentum that carries the wine through a long, meandering finish.
