Pride Mountain Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2004

Aromas of herb, sage and cedar transfer to the palate, turning firm and tannic, with a strong woody component. Should come around, with hints of dried currant and berry, but this is not up to Pride's usual suppleness. Decant. Best from 2008 through 2013.

Soft, rich and ripe, this is one of those Cabernets that feels dramatic in the mouth. Partly it's the fruit; complex in cherries, blackberries, mocha and rum and cola. Partly it's the oak and partly it's the fabulous balance of rich, sweet tannins and acidity. Put it all together and it's irresistible. Best now-2010.

Although lighter than previous efforts, it exhibits a dark ruby color, medium body, black currant and damp earth characteristics, and a lean finish.

Saturated, bright medium ruby. Crushed cassis, licorice and minerals on the nose. Pure, primary black fruit and mineral flavors framed and enlivened by surprisingly juicy acidity. Very firmly built, vibrant wine with the structure to reward aging. Winemaker Bob Foley noted that Pride's cabernet had better than usual acidity in 2004, and certainly more than in 2003 or 2002; the harvest here lasted into early November. If the 2004 Reserve Claret is better than this, it will be a stunner.

Good ruby-red. Nuanced nose combines currant, blueberry and graphite with hints of olive and tobacco. Sweet and penetrating; shows the best fruit intensity of these basic 2007 varietal bottlings. Currant, licorice and mineral flavors are complemented by spicy oak (nearly 60% new) and supported by a firm tannic spine. This, too, needs time. Even the youngest blocks are now 8 to 12 years old, notes winemaker Johnson, "so we're getting better-balanced wines now."

Good deep red-ruby color. Currant, tobacco, cocoa powder and sweet oak in the nose. Then surprisingly tightly wound in the mouth, with firm acids giving shape and grip to the fresh berry and milk chocolate flavors. In a leaner style for a Pride wine but shows an exhilarating sugar/acid balance. Finishes firmly tannic, bright and gripping. As serious as this seems today, there's nothing hard about it.

Good ruby-red. Aromatically inviting nose offers dark cherry, mocha, tobacco, coffee, licorice and flowers. Supple and rather suave, with a restrained sweetness to the somewhat cool flavors of medicinal cherry and anise. Finishes with substantial tannins that call for a couple years of patience.