2001 Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve Claret, California, USA

(96+ points) The 2001 Reserve Claret (an intriguing blend of 60% Merlot, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot) is a massive mountain wine possessing both power and elegance. Its dense saturated ruby/purple color is followed by youthful aromas of creme de cassis, new saddle leather, toasty oak, crushed rocks and spring flowers. Extremely young, vigorous, full-bodied and multidimensional, this is a layered, supple textured wine with enormous fruit and richness as well as a tremendously long finish. One of the most impressive high elevation wines made in northern California, it is capable of lasting another 15-20 years. These impressive 2001s from Pride Mountain Vineyards were made during the regime of Bob Foley and the late Jim Pride. The two most limited production cuvees are the Reserve Claret and Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, which are almost impossible to find. Wine Advocate # 195 Jun 2011