Pride Mountain Vineyards
2023 Cabernet Sauvignon
"Summit Select"
Napa Valley AVA
Auction 29 | Lot No. 32
Vintage: 2023
Pride Mountain Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley
5 cases produced
Highlights
- The 2023 Summit Select is sourced solely from Rock Arch Vineyard, the most storied block of our mountaintop estate
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is a perfect balance of rich fruit, powerful tannins and taut acidity
- Aging for 18 months in French oak that was hand-selected to cultivate the truest expression of our oldest vines
- This wine is our best barrel from our best lot, showcasing the quality and heritage of our historic vineyards
Description
Introducing the 2023 Summit Select, a distinguished wine sourced exclusively from the iconic Rock Arch Vineyard. Crafted from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this vintage achieves a remarkable balance of rich fruit, powerful tannins and taut acidity, making it a standout expression of its terroir.
Aging for 18 months in hand-selected French oak, this wine embodies the true essence of our oldest vines, allowing their unique character to flourish. Each sip reveals layers of deep, dark fruit complemented by subtle hints of spice and oak, culminating in a velvety finish that lingers beautifully on the palate.
The 2023 Summit Select represents our finest barrel from the best lot, showcasing not only the exceptional quality but also the heritage of our historic vineyards. This wine is a testament to our commitment to excellence and the meticulous craftsmanship behind each bottle. Perfect for both special occasions and intimate gatherings, the 2023 Summit Select is a celebration of the mountaintop's unique terroir and a true reflection of our winemaking philosophy. Indulge in this extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignon and experience the legacy of Rock Arch Vineyard.
Wine Facts
- Single vineyard wine
- Sustainably produced
- Wine is 100% estate grown and bottled
Matt Ward
Winemaker, Pride Mountain Vineyards
Born and raised in the Midwest, Matt packed up his car in 2010 and followed his dream of making wine to Northern California. Under the mentorship of Kerry Damskey, he rose quickly through the production ranks in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley to become a cellar master. Still hungry for knowledge after asking all the questions he knew to ask, Matt pursued graduate studies in Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis. Upon receiving his Master of Science degree, he accepted a harvest position at Screaming Eagle and spent seven months in the cellar there before heading to New Zealand to lead a team making their premium Bordeaux varieties at the Sophia Winery of Craggy Range. Back in California for harvest 2017, Matt joined Atelier Melka, where he made wines for over 20 client wineries over the course of five years, managing over a hundred ferments each year from vineyards across all of Napa and Sonoma. Alongside his mentors, Philippe Melka and Maayan Koschitzky, Matt has produced some of the finest recent wines to come out of Napa and Sonoma, garnering an impressive number of 100-point critical reviews for his many distinct wines.
Country born: United States, Illinois
Education: Education:
Viticulture and Enology; M.Sc. – UC Davis
Mentors:
Phillipe Melka, Kerry Damskey, Maayan Koschitzky, Nick Gislason
Internships:
Screaming Eagle; Oakville, CA.
Craggy Range; Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand - Sophia Winery Lead
Sterling Vineyards; Harvest Enologist
Years in the wine industry: 10-15 years
Honors / Awards:
Araujo Family Endowed International Harvest Award
Michael Bonaccorsi Scholarship
The Wine Spectator Scholarship
Winemaking Philosophy:
Curiosity is the core tenant of my approach as a winemaker. From the vines growing the grapes, to the nuances of a fermentation and through to the integration of wines at blending, I am relentless in my pursuit to understand every facet of making delicious wines. One of my favorite aspects of winemaking is that the more you know, the more you realize how much else there is to learn.
Winery Distribution
Pride Mountain Vineyards is distributed in the following markets. Please contact the winery directly for the most up-to-date distribution information and to explore commercial opportunities.
Domestic:
- Alabama (Rush Distributing)
- Alaska (Kruger Wines)
- Arizona (Quail Distributing)
- Arkansas (RNDC)
- California (Springboard Wine Co.)
- Colorado (Classic Beverage Company)
- Connecticut (Wilson Daniels)
- Connecticut (Winebow)
- Delaware (Breakthru Beverage - Aspect Fine Wine)
- Florida (Breakthru Beverage- Aspect Fine Wine)
- Hawaii (RNDC The Estates Group)
- Idaho (JW Thornton Imports)
- Illinois (Breakthru Beverage - Aspect Fine Wine)
- Indiana (Johnson Brothers)
- Kansas (Vintegrity)
- Kentucky (Main Street Spirits)
- Louisiana (Wines Unlimited)
- Maine (SOPO Wine Co. )
- Maryland (Breakthru Beverage - Aspect Fine Wine)
- Massachusetts (Martignetti - United Division)
- Michigan (Veritas Distributors)
- Minnesota (Breakthru Beverage - Aspect Fine Wine)
- Mississippi (Madvines & Spirits)
- Missouri (Vintegrity)
- Montana (George's Distributing)
- Nebraska (Quail Distributing of NE)
- Nevada (Breakthru Beverage (Las Vegas))
- Nevada (Encore Beverage (Reno))
- New Jersey (Wilson Daniels)
- New Jersey (Winebow)
- New York (Wilson Daniels)
- North Carolina (Winebow)
- Ohio (Vintage Wine Distributors)
- Oklahoma (Thirst Wine Merchants)
- Rhode Island (Rhode Island Distributor)
- South Carolina (Advintage Distributing)
- Tennessee (Best Brands)
- Tennessee (Empire Distribution (Knoxville))
- Texas (Favorite Brands)
- Utah (Enoteche Wines)
- Vermont (Calmont/CBC Importers)
- Virginia (The Robins Cellars)
- Washington (Elliot Bay Wines)
- Wisconsin (Prestige Wines)
- Wyoming (RNDC)
International:
- Canada - Ontario (Pride Mountain Vineyards)
- Japan (Pride Mountain Vineyards)
- Philippines (Pride Mountain Vineyards)
- Puerto Rico (Pride Mountain Vineyards)
- South Korea (Pride Mountain Vineyards)
- Switzerland (Pride Mountain Vineyards)
- United Kingdom (Pride Mountain Vineyards)