Inventory Time with Pride

With all of the winery visits and tasting adventures we had in 2009, Matt and I have accumulated quite a collection. We're in the midst of taking inventory of our wines and organizing them; in doing so, I've discovered that we have quite a few bottles of Pride Mountain wines.

Our visit to Pride Mountain Vineyards over the summer was an exceptional experience, one that prompted Matt to return a few days later and stock up on the 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 Vintner's Select Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006 Pride Merlot and 2007 Viognier.

To get there, you take a very windy road up Spring Mountain almost to Sonoma. I suggest planning a visit on a clear, sunny day and taking a picnic--there is a great vista with a picnic table a few yards from the Tasting Room. Once you've made it all the way up to Pride, you'll want to take your time and stay awhile.

When we arrived for our tasting appointment, Russ was kind enough to take us for a tour of the property. He led us through the library (which with oversize plush leather chairs and dim lighting felt like a very cozy cigar lounge) and through the caves (where we tasted young wines and wines still in barrel). He also took us to the edge of the property which offered brilliant views of the mountain terrain and terraced vineyards.

The wines were all delicious (it was hard to pick a favorite). All Pride wines are estate grown, and the mountain fruit lends an earthy, robust quality to the red wines. The Chardonnay and Viognier are surprisingly fruit-forward with great minerality.

The 2006 Cab delivers rich dark fruit flavors supported on a frame of sturdy tannins and good acidity. Surprisingly, it's ready to drink now, but for those who are patient, this wines will only get better with age.