Big brash and very rich this mouthfilling Cabernet falls right in step with past Pride Mountain successes and like its precursors it goes for depth and drama rather than poise or prettiness. It is quite high in ripeness and its ample alcohol is hard to miss but equally impossible to ignore is its altogether stunning sense of fruity concentration and the lavish oak that runs its length. Call it slightly overdone if you will but do make the search to find a few bottles for the cellar.

Dark plush and elegant this wine defines style. It's fashionably dry and ripe with blackcurrant flavors and low acids. Oak adds vanilla and sweet woody tannins but does not overwhelm. It's what consumers are looking for in an expensive California Cabernet. You could object that it's generically good. It lacks a sense of ground of individuality but that's tilting at windmills.

..The dense purple-colored angular-styled 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits aromas and flavors of licorice toasty oak and black currants. It possesses an austere firm sinewy personality as well as a tannic finish. Aging will bring out more flesh so patience will be required in this excellent Cabernet...