Pride Mountain Claret Reserve Sonoma-Napa Counties 2012

98 points Robert Parker: "The 2012 Claret Reserve is a blend of 66% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot aged in 40% new French oak for 22 months. The bulk of the fruit comes from the Sonoma side of their vineyards, with about 28% from Napa. There are 586 cases of this red, which is one of the more potent wines in the Pride lineup at 14.9% alcohol. The wine has great intensity, a full-bodied mouthfeel, and loads of créme de cassis, chocolate, plum, licorice and foresty undertones. Full-bodied, with oodles of glycerin, a highly extracted, silky mouthfeel, terrific purity, and length of a good 45 to 50 seconds, this fabulous effort can be drunk now or cellared for 12-15+ years. Drink: 2015-2030. (Oct 2015)"

95 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2012 Claret Reserve is a gorgeous wine that captures the essence of the Pride house style. Sweet dark cherries, tobacco, hard candy, mint, cola and mocha all open up nicely in the glass. Round, succulent and deeply expressive, the 2012 hits all the right notes. Floral and savory notes add lift, but the style remains classic 2012, which is to say racy and voluptuous. The 2012 can be drunk now or cellared for 10-15 years. Drink: 2018-2032. (Oct 2015)"

94.1 points CellarTracker.com community score.

93 points Wine Spectator: "A blockbuster, powerful, rich and well-structured. Floral red currant, mocha and bay leaf aromas give over to focused and supple flavors of black cherry and spicy toast. The finish lingers, with ripe and persistent tannins. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot.. 586 cases made. (10/31/15)"