2011 Claret Napa/Sonoma Reserve
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Claret Reserve is a gorgeous wine today, but it also has more than enough depth to drink well for a number of years. Pliant and expressive, the 2011 Claret Reserve embodies the very best qualities of this tricky vintage. Red cherry, plum, smoke, leather and cedar flesh out on the expressive, resonant finish. This is a terrific showing from Pride.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Claret Reserve is a blend of 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 22 months in 40% new French oak (472 cases produced). It finished at 14.3% natural alcohol. A dense plum/purple color is followed by wonderful notes of cedarwood, tobacco leaf, Christmas fruitcake, blackcurrants and black cherries. Sumptuous, medium to full-bodied and velvety textured, it can be drunk now and over the next 7-10 years.
Good deep red. Slightly high-toned aromas of plum, spices, mocha, fig, vanilla and milk chocolate, lifted by a floral nuance. Then creamy-sweet yet savory and penetrating too, with surprisingly healthy acidity giving elegance and sappiness to the silky middle palate. I like the blend of sweetness and vinosity here. Finishes lightly saline and long, with ripe tannins nicely covered by fruit.