{"title":"Pride","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"pride-merlot","title":"Pride Merlot","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePride Merlot\u003c\/strong\u003e is a full-bodied Napa Valley red wine from Pride Mountain Vineyards, bottled at approximately 14.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. The 2021 vintage earned 93 points from Vinous and 92 points from Jeb Dunnuck, continuing a legacy that includes two appearances on Wine Spectator's Top 100 list — the 2007 vintage ranked #34 and the 2001 vintage ranked #92.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: ~14.5%  |  Origin: Napa Valley, California  |  Current Release  |  Winery: Pride Mountain Vineyards\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePride Mountain Vineyards sits at 1,300 to 2,100 feet elevation on the Mayacamas Mountains, with estate vineyards straddling the Napa and Sonoma county line. The winery has a fanatical appreciation for Clone 3 Merlot, which forms the backbone of this wine — the 2022 vintage blends 85% Merlot with 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel, followed by approximately 16 months of aging in French oak barrels, 40% of which are new, building structure and complexity without overwhelming the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e Ripe blackberry and just-ripe plum lead the nose, followed by layers of dark chocolate, bay leaf, and a touch of dusty earth. Subtle hints of black cherry and temperate forest floor add depth and intrigue.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The palate opens with concentrated dark blue and purplish fruit, building through the mid-palate with flavors of new leather, mocha, and licorice. Five-spice, cardamom, and black loamy earth emerge as the wine develops, framed by balanced acidity and significant yet silky tannins.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e The finish is long, velvety, and spice-driven, with lingering notes of wet pipe tobacco and dark chocolate. The tannin structure carries the fruit through a mouthwatering close that invites another sip.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Pride Merlot\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis wine is best served at 60–65°F and benefits from 30 to 60 minutes of decanting to open up its layered aromatics. Enjoy it neat in a large-bowled glass to give the complex nose room to develop. For a red wine cocktail, the rich fruit profile works in a \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e as a bold base against cola's sweetness, in a \u003cstrong\u003eRed Wine Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e where the dark fruit and spice amplify citrus and brandy, or in a classic \u003cstrong\u003eMulled Wine\u003c\/strong\u003e during cooler months where the existing chocolate and five-spice notes harmonize naturally with warm spice additions.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a serious wine collector who appreciates mountain-grown California Merlot\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eServing as the centerpiece red at a multi-course dinner party\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellaring for medium-term aging given the wine's tannin structure and track record\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConverting skeptics who dismissed Merlot after the so-called \"Sideways effect\"\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Pride Merlot taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Pride Merlot delivers concentrated blackberry, dark plum, and dark chocolate flavors with layers of mocha, licorice, and five-spice, wrapped in silky tannins and balanced acidity. It is a full-bodied, richly textured wine with notable depth and a long, spice-driven finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Pride Merlot compare to Pomerol Merlot?\u003c\/strong\u003e Pride Mountain Merlot has been described by critics as a \"Pomerol look-alike,\" sharing the density and plush dark fruit character associated with Bordeaux's Right Bank, but with the added ripeness and power that comes from high-elevation California viticulture. Where many Pomerol wines lean toward earthy restraint, Pride tends toward bolder fruit concentration and more pronounced chocolate and spice notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Pride Merlot good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Pride Merlot is an excellent choice for sipping neat, as its layered aromatics and velvety tannins reward focused attention. A brief decant helps the wine open fully and reveal its more complex secondary notes of tobacco and earth.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Pride Merlot made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Pride Merlot is produced at Pride Mountain Vineyards, located at 1,300 to 2,100 feet elevation on the Mayacamas Mountains along the border of Napa and Sonoma counties in California. The wine carries a Napa Valley AVA designation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Pride Merlot?\u003c\/strong\u003e Braised short ribs complement the wine's dark fruit and silky tannins. Grilled lamb chops echo its earthy, spiced character. Dark chocolate desserts mirror the mocha and chocolate notes in the wine. Aged Gouda or Comté cheeses provide a rich, nutty counterpoint to the fruit. Mushroom risotto highlights the wine's forest-floor aromatics.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Pride Merlot come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Pride Merlot is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Pride Merlot worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Pride Merlot positions as a premium Napa Valley red, and its pricing reflects the estate's high-elevation vineyard sourcing, Clone 3 Merlot specialization, and consistent critical acclaim including multiple 90+ point scores from major publications. For collectors and serious Merlot enthusiasts, it represents strong value within the upper tier of California Merlot.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Pride Merlot?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePride Mountain Vineyards' commitment to Clone 3 Merlot grown at elevations up to 2,100 feet sets this wine apart from virtually every other California Merlot on the market. The mountaintop fruit delivers a concentration and tannin structure rarely found in the varietal, earning the wine comparisons to top Pomerol estates. With two Wine Spectator Top 100 placements and consistently strong scores from Vinous and Jeb Dunnuck, this is one of the most critically validated American Merlots in production. It stands as direct evidence that site-specific, high-elevation viticulture can produce Merlot of genuine complexity and ageability.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pride","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837479022761,"sku":"8402","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Pride-Merlot__46409.jpg?v=1730483781"},{"product_id":"pride-cabernet-sauvignon-napa-2013","title":"Pride Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePride Cabernet Sauvignon Napa 2018\u003c\/strong\u003e is a mountain-estate Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon blend from Pride Mountain Vineyards (750ml, 14.5% ABV). Rated 91 points by Jeb Dunnuck and carrying a CellarTracker community average of 91.8 points across 72 reviews, this vintage showcases the classical balance and concentration that high-elevation Spring Mountain fruit delivers in a warm year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Spring Mountain, Napa Valley \/ Sonoma County, California  |  Vintage: 2018  |  Winery: Pride Mountain Vineyards\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePride Mountain Vineyards sits at 2,100 feet elevation on the crest of the Mayacamas Range, with the Napa-Sonoma county line literally running through its estate. All 85 acres of vineyard are south-facing, positioned above the fog line, receiving daylong sunshine tempered by cool mountain air — conditions that allow slow, steady ripening rarely found even on Spring Mountain. The 2018 Cabernet is a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, and 5% Merlot, fermented in stainless steel for 12 to 30 days and aged 18 to 19 months in French oak barrels, 50% of which were new. The fruit composition breaks down as roughly 70% Napa Valley and 30% Sonoma County, reflecting the estate's unique cross-appellation geography.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with concentrated blackcurrant and black cherry, layered with baking spice — cinnamon, vanilla — before shifting into dried tobacco, bouquet garni, and a trace of cedar. Given time in the glass, graphite and light smoke emerge underneath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is ripe and generous, led by black plum and blackberry fruit, but a vein of crushed bay leaf and wild herbs keeps the mid-palate from feeling heavy. The Petit Verdot contributes structural intensity while the Merlot rounds the blend, delivering what critics have described as tremendous balance — super-ripe concentration with genuine lightness of touch. Sandalwood and graphite notes develop toward the peak.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-long, with cedar, forest floor, and light leather trailing behind the fruit. Fine-grained tannins hold their shape without turning grippy, and a mineral edge lingers cleanly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Pride Cabernet 2018\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis mountain Cabernet is at its best served neat in a large-bowled glass at around 62–65°F; a 30-minute decant helps open the herbal and spice layers without flattening the fruit. While primarily a sipping wine, it can anchor several wine-forward cocktails: a \u003cstrong\u003eCabernet Reduction Spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e using a small pour with sparkling water and a rosemary sprig, which echoes its herbal aromatics; a classic \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the wine's fruit density and acidity stand up to cola better than lighter reds; or a \u003cstrong\u003eNew York Sour\u003c\/strong\u003e, where the wine float benefits from the blackcurrant and graphite character layered over bourbon and citrus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCellaring alongside other premium 2018 Napa vintages for mid-term aging (5–10 years from vintage)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a collector who values mountain-grown California Cabernet\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a special-occasion steak or lamb dinner\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSide-by-side tasting with other Spring Mountain District Cabernets to explore terroir differences\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Pride Cabernet 2018 taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e It leads with ripe blackcurrant, black plum, and black cherry fruit, supported by crushed herbs, cedar, graphite, and baking spice. The overall impression is medium-bodied and classically balanced rather than heavy or overly extracted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Pride Cabernet 2018 compare to Spring Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both are premium Spring Mountain District Cabernets grown at elevation, but Pride's estate straddles the Napa-Sonoma county line and benefits from south-facing exposure above the fog line, which tends to yield slightly riper, more concentrated fruit. Spring Mountain Vineyard's estate sits lower on the mountain and often produces a leaner, more austere profile by comparison.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Pride Cabernet 2018 good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes — its balance of concentrated fruit, fine tannins, and herbal complexity makes it a strong candidate for drinking on its own, particularly after a short decant to let the aromatics fully develop.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Pride Cabernet 2018 made?\u003c\/strong\u003e It is produced entirely from estate-grown fruit at Pride Mountain Vineyards, located at 2,100 feet elevation on the crest of the Mayacamas Range where Napa Valley and Sonoma County meet on Spring Mountain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Pride Cabernet 2018?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled ribeye steak complements the wine's blackcurrant depth and fine tannins. Braised lamb shanks with rosemary echo its herbal aromatics. Aged Gruyère or Comté cheese match the graphite and cedar notes. Mushroom risotto picks up the forest-floor character on the finish. Dark chocolate with 70% cacao pairs with the wine's baking spice and plum fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Pride Cabernet 2018 come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e The standard release is a 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Pride Cabernet 2018 worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Pride Mountain Cabernet positions as a premium Napa Valley estate wine, and the 2018 vintage — with its 91-point Jeb Dunnuck rating and strong community scores — represents solid value within the competitive Spring Mountain District category, where pricing can escalate sharply for comparable mountain fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Pride Cabernet 2018?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePride Mountain Vineyards occupies a genuinely uncommon piece of California geography: 85 estate acres at 2,100 feet with south-facing exposure above the fog line, straddling two of the state's most important wine counties. The 2018 vintage captures what that terroir does best — delivering concentrated mountain fruit without sacrificing freshness or balance. Backed by a 91-point score from Jeb Dunnuck and consistent community praise averaging nearly 92 points, this release holds its ground among more expensive Spring Mountain peers. For anyone building a cellar of age-worthy Napa Cabernet, the 2018 Pride is a serious, well-documented benchmark.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Pride","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837617336489,"sku":"10399","price":89.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Pride-Cabernet-Sauvignon-Napa-2013__26984.jpg?v=1730488331"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/pride.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}