Aside from Jonata in the Santa Barbara area, and a few other wineries, few estates make Sangiovese as interesting as Pride Mountain. There is not much of it, and it is always bottled in a 500 ml, but their 2007 Sangiovese is another winner. Beautiful aromas of cedar, strawberry jam, black currants, tobacco leaf, and forest floor are followed by a spicy, deep ruby/plum/purple-colored wine with medium to full body, lots of fruit, good acidity, and a sexy, complex personality. Drink it over the next 3-4 years. Although this is a Napa report, I took the liberty of including the Pride Mountain Sonoma bottlings since their wines tend to be primarily Bordeaux varietals rather than the Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, etc. that will be covered in the Sonoma report. My apologies to subscribers and the winery for some mistakes I made last year in issue #180, when I listed 2006 instead of 2005 for the Reserve and Vintner's Select wines. This is the strongest portfolio of Pride Mountain wines that has been made under the new winemaker, Sally Johnston, who replaced Bob Foley several years ago. Tel. (707) 963-4949; Fax (707) 963-6039

One of the best Sangiovese out there, mainly due to the ripe balance. Avoids the unripeness or excessive ripeness that can mar this variety in California. Shows lovely, rich black cherry, raspberry and cocoa flavors, enhanced with sweet oak. The next step is to elevate this wine to complex greatness, especially at this price.——S.H.(5/1/2010)—— 90