1998 Pride Mountain, Cabernet Franc, Sonoma County 1×1.5L

Vinous 90+

Medium-deep ruby. Aromas of black raspberry, blackberry, licorice, violet and sexy oak. High-pitched, juicy and very intensely flavored; less lush today than the merlot, with a stronger impression of acidity and backbone. Enticing floral and bitter chocolate flavors in the mouth and on the long aftertaste, which features dusty tannins and avoids the dryness and greenness of the vintage. This is superb franc by the standards of any year. Along with the warm Dalla Valle hillside just outside Oakville, Pride has some of the most impressive cabernet franc grown outside France. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/05/2001]

Robert Parker 94

I am amazed by how spectacular Pride Mountain’s Cabernet Franc continues to be. The fabulous 1998 Cabernet Franc is a noteworthy achievement in this difficult vintage. Its deep purple color is accompanied by a gorgeous bouquet of cedar, spice box, black fruits, smoke, and earth. In the mouth, there is a smorgasbord of sweet black fruits with a hint of dried Provencal herbs. Opulent and full-bodied, with marvelous concentration yet an eerie sense of weightlessness, this rich, complex 1998 can be drunk now as well as over the next decade. Bravo! Tel. (707) 963-4949; Fax (707) 967-8364 [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 12/23/2000]

Anticipated maturity: 2000-2010