2018 Pride Mountain Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Pride's flagship 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is going to need a number of years to come around. Black cherry, plum, spice, new leather, licorice, lavender, and mocha all open with a bit of time. This deceptively mid-weight Cabernet packs plenty of mountain punch. The Reserve is not an obvious wine, especially in comparison with what these wines were like a few years ago.

Lastly, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve can be thought of as the top cuvée, and in 2018 it's 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot. Its deep purple hue is followed by a powerful, medium to full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon that builds beautifully in the glass, with ripe yet present tannins and integrated acidity all giving it an age-worthy feel. Classic crème de cassis, graphite, scorched earth, and tobacco all define the aromatics. The balance is spot on, but like many 2018s, the cellar is going to be your friend. Do your best to hide bottles for 4-5 years, and it's going to drink brilliantly for two decades.