A blend of 61% Napa and 39% Sonoma fruit, don't think that it's a coincidence that those numbers line up with the varietal breakdown of 61% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot in Pride's 2019 Claret Reserve. Regardless of the math, the pleasure is in the glass, starting with a dense, impenetrable garnet hue, then proceeding into intense aromas of loamy earth, vanilla, cassis and black cherries. In the mouth, this is full-bodied but not oversized, tannic but not overly astringent. The overall impression is silky and nearly approachable but with the concentration and balance to age for a couple of decades. For the undeniably impressive quality, both this wine and the Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve are relative values.

The 2019 Claret Reserve is dense and rich. It has a bit more mid-plalate than most of the wines in this tasting, but retains all the freshness and verve that apprears to now be the signature here. Kirsch, red plum, blood orange, rose petal, lavender, mint and spice all flesh out in the glass. Soft and sensual, with no hard edges, the 2019  will drink well right out of the gate and yet also has more than enough vibrancy to offer ten years or more of positive evolution. 

The 2019 Reserve Claret checks in as 61% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Petit Verdot. Another beautiful wine from this team, it reveals a semi-opaque ruby/purple hue to go with a complex bouquet of spiced red and black cherries, dried herbs, camphor, and leather. More subtle, seamless, and layered compared to the slightly more authoritative Reserve Cabernet, this medium to full-bodied 2019 has supple tannins, terrific overall balance, and a great finish. It's a brilliant Napa Valley Merlot that I have no doubt will evolve for 20-25 years if stored properly.