2012 Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve Claret Sonoma Napa

(98 Points  --  Wine Advocate)

The 2012 Claret Reserve is a blend of 66% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot aged in 40% new French oak for 22 months. The bulk of the fruit comes from the Sonoma side of their vineyards, with about 28% from Napa. There are 586 cases of this red, which is one of the more potent wines in the Pride lineup at 14.9% alcohol. The wine has great intensity, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and loads of créme de cassis, chocolate, plum, licorice and foresty undertones. Full-bodied, with oodles of glycerin, a highly extracted, silky mouthfeel, terrific purity, and length of a good 45 to 50 seconds, this fabulous effort can be drunk now or cellared for 12-15+ years. (RP)   Review Date: 10/2015