This bottle has been open 24 hours, but it's still in good shape...
Aromas of very ripe and dried black fruits, berry pie drippings, dark chocolate, tobacco, bbq spice, a little camphor, dried mint and bay leaf... full and tangy on the palate, chunky tannins feel a bit rough, bitterness builds on the finish, this is complex and engaging but it could use a little more fruit, though it maybe that it's just suffering from being open for a day. This may be past its prime, it has a certain youthfulness, but I'm not sure it will improve, the structure feels too rough and large, and the fruit doesn't feel fresh enough to hold it together, but again, I didn't get to taste this yesterday so my view is tainted. All said, this is a very impressive showing for a 29 year old wine open 24 hours.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
PNP using Durand. Cork is soft but completely intact. Color is dark garnet with a hint of bricking at edges. Nose is mostly tobacco and dark plum fruit. Swishing this shows mostly oak tannin remaining but there is such fruit density that it balances pretty nicely. There is some acid here too but structure is mostly tannin c/w house style. Sipping this shows its beauty - lush fruit beginning secondary characteristics and amazing polish and length. This is pretty awesome for 29 yo CA Cabernet and would fool many with its youthfulness. I would say that this is middle of its peak drinking. Plenty left in the tank for well cellared bottles
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Cellared at 55 since release - dark youthful ruby opaque black at core - clean shy fresh blackberry and coffee nose - alcoholic heat and spicy tannins along with aptly low enough pH make this 26 y/o a very lively wine and a vindication for cellar keeping.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Fragrant black cherry, dark raspberry, and tootsie roll bouquet is flanked by inviting notes of sous bois, leather, and violets. It shows attractive weight, structure, and bottle age maturity, yet brightness and a youthful edge to the fresh, dark fruit and Jolly Rancher candy flavors. Polished tannin lingers on the long and flavorful finish.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
At twenty-five years, this is amazingly showing well and not exhibiting any diminution from age. I noted in earlier posts several years ago that this was showing its age. Perhaps these were bottle variations which might explain the negative review, not the positive. Ideal provenance of this bottle in our cellar since release shows the true age worthiness of the label. While likely at its apex, it will not improve with any further aging and should be consumed as it will start to diminish in due course.
Consistent with earlier tasting notes, "Dark, full bodied, firm, initially closed and tight, after a while it opened up to reveal big full complex dark blackberry and black currant fruits accented by anise, with hints of spice, dusty cedar, and a subtle sweet dark mocha on the full firm lingering tannin finish." https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2020/11/pride-napa-valley-cabernet-sauvignon.html
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Consistent with earlier tasting notes, dark, full bodied, firm, the full complex dark blackberry and black currant fruits are starting to give way to leather, mushroom, cedar, tobacco, smoke and earth still showing earlier hints of subtle dark mocha on the full firm lingering tannin finish. Still life left but should be consumed over the next couple of years.
Still a blackish/purple ruby color (how is that possible?)!! Nice nose full of mature Cabernet aromas. Black currant, creosote, spicebox and minty new oak. Full bodied and dense, with a fantastic minerality giving lift to the dense tannin and black currant and cherry flavors. Spicy new French oak. This took quite some time to develop in the decanter. Given that and the overall freshness and density, I'd say that although fully mature and perhaps on the downswing, this has many years left. Salty minerality on the lingering finish. 93
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
There is a bit of an edge/etch with this wine, a slight grittiness and grain that is not so welcome, but there is charm too. There is a pretty stiff backbone surrounded by tight tannins and dark fruit. In some ways it has held up very well to the age, but at the same time there are also some signs of fading. A bit expensive for the quality really.
Slightly better on the 2nd day. Some of the etch is gone but it's still showing some stiff tannins.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No
/ Comment
Dark, full bodied, firm, initially closed and tight - decanted and set aside, after an hour and half it started to open up to reveal full complex dark blackberry and black currant fruits accented by anise, with hints of spice, dusty cedar, and a subtle dark mocha on the full firm lingering tannin finish.
Dark, full bodied, firm, initially closed and tight - decanted and set aside, after an hour and half it started to open up to reveal full complex dark blackberry and black currant fruits accented by anise, with hints of spice, dusty cedar, and a subtle dark mocha on the full firm lingering tannin finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
13% ABV. Somewhat translucent dark garnet in the glass with a bit of tawny. Somewhat tannic smelling with background dark currant fruit and a touch of caramel oak. Medium full bodied and a little short on the palate, but retaining some fruit and a fair amount of tannin. Better than I recall it, but apparently still not ready, if it ever will be.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Popped and poured. Some nice choc notes, tobacco, dark fruits and some earth. Smooth with softened edges. Good acid on the moderate finish, a little oak tannin provides grip. Stiil young but finally showing some secondary notes. Harmonious.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Big and brawny, it had a disjointed flavor profile withsharp acidity on the finish. This was my 5th bottle overthe last8 yrs or so. Earlier bottles were much better. This cork was sawdust...i'll try my last bottle in another year or so and see where it is. This was relegated to braising beef
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
I have been drinking one of these every few years, waiting for the tannins to soften. I don't that will happen before the fruit starts to diminish. This is a good wine for dinner if you only want a glass. After several glasses it will wear you down.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Several days later from memory. Impressive "mountain" cab, with pronounced blackberry and plum flavors shot-through with minerality. Served with a home-made steakhouse dinner of filet, mushrooms, rings, and even my first-ever creamed spinach. Absurdly elegant 13% alcohol. Perhaps fading a bit after being open for a few hours, so I'd drink over next 1-3 years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Dark, full bodied, firm, initially closed and tight - after a half started to open up to reveal dark berry fruit accented by anise, with hints of spice, dusty cedar, and a subtle dark mocha on the full firm lingering finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Nose of cork when first opened...had me worried. However, opened up nicely. The fruit was hidden under the dry leather and tobacco. It did start to rise, but I did not wait to drink. If you have this vintage, I would suggest opening now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
My last bottle of this - still had the $25.99 price tag on it. Dumped into a decanter and out poured a nose of buttered popcorn. After sitting in the decanter for an hour or so the first glass was poured and thankfully the buttered popcorn smell was gone. Leather, a bit of smoke and currants still with some tannin. A very nice example of a California cab.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Bought on release and stored in a temperature conntrolled cellar....drink these now...they are pleasant but on the back side of the curve.... 88 points, maybe?
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Double decanted 24hrs ahead. Reveals a dusty Bordeaux-like nose of blackcurrant bush, green bell pepper and cigar box. The aromas are reflected on the graceful palate with the addition of an interesting leather note. The minerally finish still shows some tannic strength and a citrusy edge. Surprisingly finessed but lacks just a little fruit volume.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Upon opening and decanting (cork disintegrated) a lovely aroma of cassis, black fruit and vanilla filled my glass. The tannins are well integrated and the fruit is holding up well although a little soft. I don't think it's got a lot more life but it's really tasty now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
$40-60 Napa Cabs that Drink Like It (Inside): Served blind. The nose was a bit reductive with a hint of camphor. The fruit is black, dense and a little brambly. The finish was a bit dusty. A bit simple but not bad.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Upon opening this was closed for business - mute medicinal cherry and bourbon. I thought it could be slightly corked. Double decanting and 24hrs in the bottle worked wonders. Focused blackberry, dried grasses and wet slate. The finish still shows significant tannins. Not a very generous wine but excellent purity. This is much better than Parker's 84 rating but not as good as the latter vintages.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Wine was drinking great. Hardly any signs of age with respect to color. The wine smelled of integrated oak, leather, with mature red fruits. On the palate, the wine tasted of cassis, red fruits and was well balanced. The tannins where somewhat resolved. The wine could last another 5 years but I am not sure the fruit will hold up.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Parker must have had a bad bottle. Classic Pride flavor with excellent body and richness. I would have to taste next to the reserve, but this is awfully good. Buy more.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Dense and full. Lots of structure still, but not too much. Cassis and a little vanillin. Very pure fruit. Long finish. Great showing for this wine. Impressive.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Has taken on a brdx-like nose(stink). Still has life to it but if your looking for that "in you face fruit" that Pride is known for then move on. This was my last bottle and I'm glad I didn't wait any longer.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
($30) Dense and murky Cabernet. Good flavors mostly but the wine has an earthy, hard edge, especially in the finish. Not up to the level of the more recent Pride wines, but could improve with bottle age. $30
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
Still youthful tannins. The wine is focused and beautifully concentrated with black currant fruit flavors that last across the palate. Not many secondary flavors, the beauty is in the intensity and clarity of the primary flavors it emphasizes. Nice wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No
/ Comment
1/23/2024 - viniferatu Likes this wine:
This bottle has been open 24 hours, but it's still in good shape...
Aromas of very ripe and dried black fruits, berry pie drippings, dark chocolate, tobacco, bbq spice, a little camphor, dried mint and bay leaf... full and tangy on the palate, chunky tannins feel a bit rough, bitterness builds on the finish, this is complex and engaging but it could use a little more fruit, though it maybe that it's just suffering from being open for a day. This may be past its prime, it has a certain youthfulness, but I'm not sure it will improve, the structure feels too rough and large, and the fruit doesn't feel fresh enough to hold it together, but again, I didn't get to taste this yesterday so my view is tainted. All said, this is a very impressive showing for a 29 year old wine open 24 hours.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
1/22/2024 - chcook Likes this wine:
PNP using Durand. Cork is soft but completely intact. Color is dark garnet with a hint of bricking at edges. Nose is mostly tobacco and dark plum fruit. Swishing this shows mostly oak tannin remaining but there is such fruit density that it balances pretty nicely. There is some acid here too but structure is mostly tannin c/w house style. Sipping this shows its beauty - lush fruit beginning secondary characteristics and amazing polish and length. This is pretty awesome for 29 yo CA Cabernet and would fool many with its youthfulness. I would say that this is middle of its peak drinking. Plenty left in the tank for well cellared bottles
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/15/2021 - Tgood Likes this wine: 93 Points
Cellared at 55 since release - dark youthful ruby opaque black at core - clean shy fresh blackberry and coffee nose - alcoholic heat and spicy tannins along with aptly low enough pH make this 26 y/o a very lively wine and a vindication for cellar keeping.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
3/6/2021 - Baron Slick wrote: 92 Points
Fragrant black cherry, dark raspberry, and tootsie roll bouquet is flanked by inviting notes of sous bois, leather, and violets. It shows attractive weight, structure, and bottle age maturity, yet brightness and a youthful edge to the fresh, dark fruit and Jolly Rancher candy flavors. Polished tannin lingers on the long and flavorful finish.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
12/25/2020 - rmcnees wrote: 91 Points
Repeat of earlier tastings recently.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2020/12/pride-napa-valley-cabernet-1995.html
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/26/2020 - rmcnees Likes this wine: 91 Points
At twenty-five years, this is amazingly showing well and not exhibiting any diminution from age. I noted in earlier posts several years ago that this was showing its age. Perhaps these were bottle variations which might explain the negative review, not the positive. Ideal provenance of this bottle in our cellar since release shows the true age worthiness of the label. While likely at its apex, it will not improve with any further aging and should be consumed as it will start to diminish in due course.
Consistent with earlier tasting notes, "Dark, full bodied, firm, initially closed and tight, after a while it opened up to reveal big full complex dark blackberry and black currant fruits accented by anise, with hints of spice, dusty cedar, and a subtle sweet dark mocha on the full firm lingering tannin finish."
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2020/11/pride-napa-valley-cabernet-sauvignon.html
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/25/2020 - rmcnees Likes this wine: 91 Points
Consistent with earlier tasting notes, dark, full bodied, firm, the full complex dark blackberry and black currant fruits are starting to give way to leather, mushroom, cedar, tobacco, smoke and earth still showing earlier hints of subtle dark mocha on the full firm lingering tannin finish. Still life left but should be consumed over the next couple of years.
https://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2020/05/vintage-napa-cab-trio-mark-celebration.html
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/15/2017 - WineGuyX wrote: 93 Points
Still a blackish/purple ruby color (how is that possible?)!! Nice nose full of mature Cabernet aromas. Black currant, creosote, spicebox and minty new oak. Full bodied and dense, with a fantastic minerality giving lift to the dense tannin and black currant and cherry flavors. Spicy new French oak. This took quite some time to develop in the decanter. Given that and the overall freshness and density, I'd say that although fully mature and perhaps on the downswing, this has many years left. Salty minerality on the lingering finish. 93
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/9/2016 - John McCabe wrote: 91 Points
There is a bit of an edge/etch with this wine, a slight grittiness and grain that is not so welcome, but there is charm too. There is a pretty stiff backbone surrounded by tight tannins and dark fruit. In some ways it has held up very well to the age, but at the same time there are also some signs of fading. A bit expensive for the quality really.
Slightly better on the 2nd day. Some of the etch is gone but it's still showing some stiff tannins.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
10/31/2015 - kstackle Likes this wine: 90 Points
Decanted for 45 minutes. Very good fruit up front.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
7/29/2015 - rmcnees wrote: 91 Points
Dark, full bodied, firm, initially closed and tight - decanted and set aside, after an hour and half it started to open up to reveal full complex dark blackberry and black currant fruits accented by anise, with hints of spice, dusty cedar, and a subtle dark mocha on the full firm lingering tannin finish.
http://unwindwine.blogspot.com/2015/07/eddie-vs-chicago-wine-dine-experience.html
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment
7/27/2014 - Jgallup wrote: 87 Points
Past its prime. Didn't hold up long after opening.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/2/2014 - theharve wrote: 94 Points
not yet at peak. try 2016.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/20/2013 - kstackle Likes this wine: 91 Points
still very good, decanted for over an hour. nice tannins, black cherry,
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/31/2013 - rmcnees Likes this wine: 91 Points
Dark, full bodied, firm, initially closed and tight - decanted and set aside, after an hour and half it started to open up to reveal full complex dark blackberry and black currant fruits accented by anise, with hints of spice, dusty cedar, and a subtle dark mocha on the full firm lingering tannin finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/26/2012 - OneLastSyrah wrote: 88 Points
13% ABV. Somewhat translucent dark garnet in the glass with a bit of tawny. Somewhat tannic smelling with background dark currant fruit and a touch of caramel oak. Medium full bodied and a little short on the palate, but retaining some fruit and a fair amount of tannin. Better than I recall it, but apparently still not ready, if it ever will be.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/7/2010 - pgordon62 wrote: 90 Points
Popped and poured. Some nice choc notes, tobacco, dark fruits and some earth. Smooth with softened edges. Good acid on the moderate finish, a little oak tannin provides grip. Stiil young but finally showing some secondary notes. Harmonious.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/31/2010 - rwatkin wrote: 86 Points
Big and brawny, it had a disjointed flavor profile withsharp acidity on the finish.
This was my 5th bottle overthe last8 yrs or so. Earlier bottles were much better.
This cork was sawdust...i'll try my last bottle in another year or so and see where it is.
This was relegated to braising beef
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/27/2009 - gondrik wrote: 89 Points
I have been drinking one of these every few years, waiting for the tannins to soften. I don't that will happen before the fruit starts to diminish. This is a good wine for dinner if you only want a glass. After several glasses it will wear you down.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
10/11/2009 - bevetroppo wrote: 90 Points
Several days later from memory. Impressive "mountain" cab, with pronounced blackberry and plum flavors shot-through with minerality. Served with a home-made steakhouse dinner of filet, mushrooms, rings, and even my first-ever creamed spinach. Absurdly elegant 13% alcohol. Perhaps fading a bit after being open for a few hours, so I'd drink over next 1-3 years.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
8/29/2009 - rmcnees wrote: 90 Points
Dark, full bodied, firm, initially closed and tight - after a half started to open up to reveal dark berry fruit accented by anise, with hints of spice, dusty cedar, and a subtle dark mocha on the full firm lingering finish.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
3/22/2009 - Hermes wrote: 89 Points
Nose of cork when first opened...had me worried. However, opened up nicely. The fruit was hidden under the dry leather and tobacco. It did start to rise, but I did not wait to drink. If you have this vintage, I would suggest opening now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/26/2008 - JFish wrote:
My last bottle of this - still had the $25.99 price tag on it. Dumped into a decanter and out poured a nose of buttered popcorn. After sitting in the decanter for an hour or so the first glass was poured and thankfully the buttered popcorn smell was gone. Leather, a bit of smoke and currants still with some tannin. A very nice example of a California cab.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/28/2008 - Anonymous wrote: 88 Points
Bought on release and stored in a temperature conntrolled cellar....drink these now...they are pleasant but on the back side of the curve.... 88 points, maybe?
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
5/12/2008 - pgordon62 wrote: 90 Points
Double decanted 24hrs ahead. Reveals a dusty Bordeaux-like nose of blackcurrant bush, green bell pepper and cigar box. The aromas are reflected on the graceful palate with the addition of an interesting leather note. The minerally finish still shows some tannic strength and a citrusy edge. Surprisingly finessed but lacks just a little fruit volume.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/10/2007 - redforlife wrote: 90 Points
Upon opening and decanting (cork disintegrated) a lovely aroma of cassis, black fruit and vanilla filled my glass. The tannins are well integrated and the fruit is holding up well although a little soft. I don't think it's got a lot more life but it's really tasty now.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/2/2006 - bsherwin wrote:
$40-60 Napa Cabs that Drink Like It (Inside): Served blind. The nose was a bit reductive with a hint of camphor. The fruit is black, dense and a little brambly. The finish was a bit dusty. A bit simple but not bad.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
9/9/2006 - pgordon62 wrote: 90 Points
Upon opening this was closed for business - mute medicinal cherry and bourbon. I thought it could be slightly corked. Double decanting and 24hrs in the bottle worked wonders. Focused blackberry, dried grasses and wet slate. The finish still shows significant tannins. Not a very generous wine but excellent purity. This is much better than Parker's 84 rating but not as good as the latter vintages.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/29/2006 - cweiss wrote:
At Molana. Very attractive in CalCab style, well-made but ultimately boring. Tasting portion is just right.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/29/2006 - Big Dog wrote: 90 Points
Wine was drinking great. Hardly any signs of age with respect to color. The wine smelled of integrated oak, leather, with mature red fruits. On the palate, the wine tasted of cassis, red fruits and was well balanced. The tannins where somewhat resolved. The wine could last another 5 years but I am not sure the fruit will hold up.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/29/2005 - bdenuyl wrote: 94 Points
Parker must have had a bad bottle. Classic Pride flavor with excellent body and richness. I would have to taste next to the reserve, but this is awfully good. Buy more.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/19/2005 - BordeauxNut wrote:
Dense and full. Lots of structure still, but not too much. Cassis and a little vanillin. Very pure fruit. Long finish. Great showing for this wine. Impressive.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
4/8/2005 - g-man wrote: 88 Points
Has taken on a brdx-like nose(stink). Still has life to it but if your looking for that "in you face fruit" that Pride is known for then move on. This was my last bottle and I'm glad I didn't wait any longer.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
12/1/2004 - cweiss wrote:
1995 Cab and 1995 Merlot tasted together and tasted just the same.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
11/1/2003 - JeffGMorris wrote: 89 Points
Good, but I was expecting more. Very dry and very tannic this would probably have shown much better with a few hours of decanting.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/1/2001 - OneLastSyrah wrote:
($30) Dense and murky Cabernet. Good flavors mostly but the wine has an earthy, hard edge, especially in the finish. Not up to the level of the more recent Pride wines, but could improve with bottle age. $30
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
6/1/2000 - OneLastSyrah wrote:
Still youthful tannins. The wine is focused and beautifully concentrated with black currant fruit flavors that last across the palate. Not many secondary flavors, the beauty is in the intensity and clarity of the primary flavors it emphasizes. Nice wine.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment
1/1/2000 - OneLastSyrah wrote:
($29) Inky, black currants. Very intense and pure - not very many flavors. Has a long life ahead of it.
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Comment