2006 Pride Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (750ml)

Description

Our goal is to make intensely flavored wines that reflect and honor our unique growing situation at 2100’ elevation.  Our vineyards mainly face south and are above the fog layer which results in vines bathed in sunshine from morning to evening throughout the growing season.  Our morning low temperatures are much higher than in the surrounding valleys while our afternoon high temperatures are much lower.  Due to this, our vines are physiologically active for most of each 24-hour period during the ripening season even if the grapes do not ripen faster than in the valleys due to our cooler afternoon temperatures.  These distinct growing conditions result in big red wines that are on the black-fruit side of the ripeness spectrum but that nonetheless are loaded with varietal character and a nice amount of acidity on the finish.  The viognier and chardonnay have mid-palate richness due to all of our sunshine but are able to maintain acidity and excitement on the finish.  Our whites are distinguished by having a strong flavor intensity while simultaneously remaining fresh and lively in the mouth.

  Clear skies in November allowed our 2006 Rock Arch Cabernet Sauvignon, planted with the rare Bella Oaks clone, to hang until just days before Thanksgiving. The long hang time ripened grapes from this 26 year old vineyard to a level of concentration that is exceptional even for a block always defined by inky and dense flavors. The final blend consists of 68% from the Rock Arch lots, 27% from our more supple clone-337 Cab lots (from our Carolyn’s and Rim Rock vineyards), and 5% Petit Verdot that brings acidity and spice to balance the structure and fruit. Interwoven nuances of black fruit ranging from dark cherries to raspberries and mulberries are complemented by tar and mocha and hints of cedar. The complexity is drawn out into the wine’s signature minute-long finish that, although palate coating, is not excessively chalky.