2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Long-time Associate Winemaker Romel Rivera has a simple measuring stick for assessing the quality of each vintage: how does it stack up against two of our best, the 2001 and 2002 vintages? Vintages with incredible structure, he compares to 2001. Vintages that are about ripeness and velvety mouthfeel are compared to 2002. For the first time in my nine vintages at Pride, Romel says that with the 2013 reds, we have produced something better than either the 2001 or 2002. I completely agree. Our 2013 Reserve Cabernet is massively structured with a finish so long that I’m not sure where it stops because I’m too impatient for the second sip. The flavors are classic Pride – loads of black fruit, cassis and bramble, all layered with complex notes of tar, leather, black tea and crushed mint. It’s a beautiful wine from a beautiful moment in time and a wine that will be a thrill to follow as it ages over the next 25+ years. -- Winemaker Sally Johnson
Appellation: | Sonoma/Napa |
Vintage: | 2013 |
Harvest: | November 2013 |
Fermentation: | Stainless Steel |
Cooperage: | French Oak |
Blend: | 99% Cabernet Sauvignon 1% Petit Verdot |
Alcohol: | 14.8% |
Bottling: | December 2015 |
Production: | 1416 cases |
Release Date: | March 2016 |
Price: | 140.00 |

A real tour de force once again, and their second consecutive perfect score, is the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, which is 99% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot aged 22 months in 40% new French oak. It is a larger cuvée of 1,416 cases versus 450 for the Reserve Claret. The Cabernet is just under 15% alcohol. A fantastic wine, with great intensity, notes of graphite, forest floor, crème de cassis, white chocolate and blackberry, the wine hits the palate with a thunderous presence, has a multi-layered, skyscraper-like palate feel, a plush, intense texture, high but well-integrated tannin and acidity, and nicely disguised oak. This is a magnificent wine, with 79% of it coming from the Sonoma side of Spring Mountain and 21% from the Napa side. Drink it over the next 25-30+ years.
- Robert M. Parker, Jr. (October, 2016)