Pride Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay Napa Valley, CA
Introduction:
The 2022 Pride Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay is a beautifully structured Napa Valley white that blends rich, ripe fruit with vibrant acidity and a refined oak touch. Crafted with precision and elegance, this Chardonnay is sourced from cooler vineyard sites to maintain freshness and showcases a layered profile of fruit, floral aromatics, and subtle mineral tones.
Terrior:
Grown in cooler vineyard sites throughout Napa Valley, this Chardonnay benefits from elevations and exposures that preserve acidity and freshness. The unique terroir of the Spring Mountain region contributes to the wine’s lifted aromatics and textured palate. The 2022 vintage was fermented and aged in French oak (10% new) with about 30% undergoing malolactic fermentation, creating a wine of balance and sophistication.
Appearance:
Pale straw yellow with green-gold reflections. Brilliant clarity and medium viscosity suggest freshness with moderate body and well-managed oak integration.
Nose:
Expressive aromas of lime zest, orange blossom, and white flowers lead the bouquet, followed by notes of quince, yellow apple, toasted hazelnuts, and a subtle marzipan creaminess. Hints of saline and crushed stone add complexity.
Palate:
Medium-bodied with a vibrant core of citrus—lemon peel and white nectarine—balanced by green pear and gentle oak tones like brioche and butterscotch. The acidity is crisp and clean, lifting the fruit and providing excellent balance with a silky texture.
Finish:
Long and focused with lingering citrus zest, stone fruit, and a gentle chalky minerality. A faint saline edge and subtle oak spice carry through, leaving the palate refreshed.
Overall Impression:
The 2022 Pride Mountain Vineyards Chardonnay is a shining example of modern Napa Valley white winemaking. It combines freshness, finesse, and subtle richness without excess weight, making it both approachable now and age-worthy over the next 5–8 years.
Recommended Food Pairings:
Meat Dish: Pan-seared halibut with lemon butter or roasted Cornish hen with thyme and garlic.
Vegetarian Option: Creamy asparagus risotto or fettuccine Alfredo with fresh peas and lemon zest.
Cheese / Charcuterie Pairing: Aged Comté or Gruyère with Marcona almonds, fig jam, and sourdough crisps.
Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 14.2%
Farming Practices: Sourced from sustainably farmed, cooler Napa sites; partial malolactic fermentation (30%); aged in French oak (10% new)
Producer Name: Pride Mountain Vineyards
Old World / New World: New World
Country of Origin: USA
Region: California – Napa Valley
Grape Varietals: Chardonnay (100%)
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: White, Medium-bodied, Barrel-aged
Winemaking Techniques: Fermented in French oak barrels, aged 10 months (10% new oak), partial malolactic fermentation, bottled unfiltered
Pack Size: 750 mL
Container Style: Standard wine bottle
Closure Style: Natural cork
93 points, The Wine Independent:
"The 2022 chardonnay has delicately played, soft-spoken scents of apple butter, lemongrass, and persimmons, with hints of sea spray, marzipan, and beeswax. The medium- to full-bodied palate is elegant and refreshing, with a silky texture and a pure, citrusy lift on the finish."
"The 2022 chardonnay has delicately played, soft-spoken scents of apple butter, lemongrass, and persimmons, with hints of sea spray, marzipan, and beeswax. The medium- to full-bodied palate is elegant and refreshing, with a silky texture and a pure, citrusy lift on the finish."
91 points, Wine Advocate:
"The 2022 chardonnay is a bright, fresh effort, all barrel-fermented but with only 10% new oak; just 30% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation. Toasted almond notes accent pear, melon, and pineapple fruit in this plump, medium- to full-bodied wine that seems tropical at times but finishes crisp and lemony."
"The 2022 chardonnay is a bright, fresh effort, all barrel-fermented but with only 10% new oak; just 30% of the wine underwent malolactic fermentation. Toasted almond notes accent pear, melon, and pineapple fruit in this plump, medium- to full-bodied wine that seems tropical at times but finishes crisp and lemony."
91 points, Vinous:
"The 2022 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) has quite a bit of density and power, surprisingly so. Lemon confit, marzipan, herbs, and white flowers are nicely delineated. Partially blocked malolactic fermentation keeps the flavors brisk. What stands out most is the wine's mid-palate richness. Bright saline notes play off lightly tropical overtones on the finish."
"The 2022 Chardonnay (Napa Valley) has quite a bit of density and power, surprisingly so. Lemon confit, marzipan, herbs, and white flowers are nicely delineated. Partially blocked malolactic fermentation keeps the flavors brisk. What stands out most is the wine's mid-palate richness. Bright saline notes play off lightly tropical overtones on the finish."
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