PRIDE MOUNTAIN CABERNET 2005, Napa

Popped this open last night and the black cherry and blueberry aromas hit you right away, with cocoa and spice carrying through the finish. It’s big and extracted but surprisingly smooth for a 20-year-old wine.

The depth here is unreal—that layer of cocoa really comes through on the finish, and the black cherry aroma hits you right away. It’s bold and extracted without being harsh, which isn’t easy for a wine this age. Worth the wait.

I opened this with some skepticism for a 20-year-old Napa cab, but the black cherry and blueberry nose is still incredibly vibrant. The fruit and cocoa layers evolved beautifully over an hour in the decanter.