PRIDE CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVE 2009, Napa

That graphite and tar on the nose really sets this apart—it's intense but so well-balanced. The cassis flavor is incredibly deep, and the finish lingers beautifully.

The nose alone is worth the price—cassis and graphite jump right out, and the palate matches up with that big, concentrated structure. Opened it with a slow-braised short rib dinner, and the balance held from first glass to last.

The graphite and cedar notes really come through, giving it a nice complexity beyond just fruit. It’s big and bold as described, though I’d love a touch more finish length for the price.