Pride’s latest Vintner Select Chardonnay impresses equally for its concentration and structure, and, while a bit on the youthfully tight side just now, its depth and fruity substance are striking. It is full, fairly mouthfilling stuff with a strong imprint of oak but is balanced by a fine spine of acid, and it sacrifices nothing in the way of vigor for size. It is a generous Chardonnay of substance and strength that will stand up to the richest dishes, and it will do nothing other than grow and get better for another four or five years.

The 2012 Chardonnay Vintners Select emerges from the glass with slate, lemon oil, mint and white flowers . The aromas are bright, focused and beautifully delineated in a Chardonnay that impresses for its energy and pure class.

From a mountain top vineyard, the 2012 Chardonnay Vintner’s Select (334 cases produced) is a beauty. Citrus blossom, crushed rock, white peach, poached pear and honeysuckle characteristics are present in this complex, full-bodied Chardonnay, 50% of which completed malolactic fermentation. Aged nine months in 25% new French oak, this crisp, fresh beauty can be enjoyed over the next 4-5 years. Pride Mountain has always done well with Viognier, which comes from Joseph Phelps clonal material. This cuvée is never put through malolactic, and it is aged in two-thirds stainless steel and one-third neutral French oak.