Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2023
(Napa County / Sonoma County, California) - [JS 96] [DM 94] [WA 93] [JD 93]

About the Winery:
Nestled in the Mayacamas Mountains between St. Helena and Santa Rosa, the picturesque 235 acre estate of Pride Mountain Vineyards sprawls across Spring Mountain at roughly 2,100 feet, six miles up a winding, narrow road above St. Helena.  The winery produces unique wines in contrast to those made in the neighboring valleys. The vineyards are set above the fog line, which enables the grapes to be exposed to California's hot sun from dawn to dusk. As a result, the flavors of these wines tend to be rich with ripe black fruits, "balance, nuance, and complexity." They are made to be approachable at a young age with the capability to age beneficially for 10-15 years. Their first wine was produced in 1991.

Tasting Notes

The 2023 Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is a veritable labyrinth for the senses.  The dense weave of blackberries, graphite and boysenberries is framed beautifully by sandalwood with a hint of cedar.  A bit further in, lovely earthy and savory notes emerge that include sage, whole leaf tobacco, and sweet mint.  All of this range of flavor comes together in way that is only possible in a stellar year like 2023, that was slightly cooler than average for us, and only at a unique site like Pride.  The mouthwatering range of retronasal flavors lead into a generously opulent expression of cabernet. Full and rich through the mid-palate, the tannin structure builds a pleasing momentum that carries the wine through a long, meandering finish. 

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - James Suckling:
"This is a finely made mountain cabernet sauvignon from a cool, refined vintage. Expressive aromas of black currants, bay laurel, graphite, black olives and violets. The palate is finely constructed, with firm yet focused tannins and bright acidity that leads to a dark-fruited, savory finish with no hard edges. Cabernet sauvignon with touches of petit verdot, merlot and cabernet franc. Drink or hold." (Feb 2026)

94 Points - Decanter Magazine:
"Includes 1% Cabernet Franc. Fermented in stainless steel and aged for up to 18 months in 50% new French oak. This Cabernet is a blend of fruit from across the entire property and represents the estate’s largest production, making it the most widely available in the marketplace. It leaps from the glass with pretty herbal notes of bay laurel, sage, and a hint of mint, alongside subtle dark chocolate tones. Medium-bodied yet richly textured, it shows cassis and cola nut flavours, with tannins that build through to a medium- to full-bodied finish." - Jonathan Cristaldi (Nov 2025)

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"Pride's 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is roughly two-thirds Napa fruit and one-third Sonoma fruit, as the property's vineyards extend either side of the county line. Loaded with fruit this year, it delivers waves of cassis and black cherries, even a touch of blue fruit. It's medium- to full-bodied and supported by fine-grained, silky tannins, yet it shows more structure and tannic grip than the Merlot, with a long, remarkably pure finish." - Joe Czerwinski (July 2026)

93+ Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Another impeccably made wine from winemaker Matt Ward, the 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon is a more structured yet classic 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon, offering ripe cassis and darker fruits, medium body, firm and building tannins, and outstanding length. Based on 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc and aged 17 months in 50% new French oak, it needs to be forgotten for 3-4 years and will see its 20th birthday in fine form. Drink 2029-2046." (Nov 2025)