Tucked into the Lower Mountain Top vineyard block of Merlot, our two token vine-rows of Sangiovese yield only a barrel each of this hand-crafted, super-Tuscan blend. Unusually dark, even for a Pride wine, the mountain growing conditions seem to have concentrated all that is red in this 2000 vintage. Fifteen months aging in neutral barrels directed the focus of the wine to its fruit and its extreme ripeness comes through in a powerful aroma of mixed berry preserves. Rich, sweet, blackberry flavors coat the entire mouth and are followed by a huge mid-palate, pleasingly soft chewy tannins and a great finish emphasizing the wine’s balance and natural acidity. Packaged in handsome 500 ml bottles to stretch those two prized barrels as far as we can, the uncommon dynamics of our mountain-grown Sangiovese will intrigue even the most sophisticated enthusiast with what can be done with this variety.