Region: Sonoma County, California

Varietal: 95% Syrah, 5% Viognier

Producer: Founded in 1990 on the historic Summit Ranch, Pride Mountain Vineyards straddles the crest of the Mayacamas Mountains, with half its acreage in Napa County and the other half in Sonoma. This unique position, combined with the winery’s focus on mountain-grown fruit, has made Pride a benchmark for bold yet polished wines. Over the years, their Syrah has become a signature bottling, celebrated for its ability to capture both the richness of California sunshine and the savory nuance that defines the variety at its best.

Vineyard & Winemaking: The Syrah comes from estate vineyards perched at 2,100 feet, where rocky volcanic soils and wide diurnal shifts yield small, concentrated berries. In 2014, a warm and steady growing season produced pristine fruit with exceptional balance. After hand harvesting, the grapes were cold soaked to enhance color and aromatics, then fermented in stainless steel and aged in French oak barrels, a portion of them new, to add structure and spice while preserving the grape’s inherent purity.

Tasting Notes: Now over a decade in bottle, the 2014 Syrah has moved gracefully from youthful exuberance into layered maturity. The once-bright blackberry and blueberry have softened into flavors of dried black plum and mulberry, accented by violet pastille, leather, and a savory undercurrent of olive tapenade and cured meat. Secondary notes of espresso, cocoa, and sweet baking spice from oak aging are now seamlessly integrated, while tertiary hints of earth, tobacco, and forest floor bring added depth. The tannins, once firm, have melted into a velvety texture, framed by still-vivid mountain acidity that keeps the wine fresh and energetic. The finish lingers with a mix of dark fruit, savory spice, and mineral lift — a testament to the wine’s pedigree and balance.