I went to Pride today to pick up my last 2 orders as they have been on will call for some time now. While I was up there I took the tour. Having been there a few times I somehow managed to have not taken the tour so I thought it would be a good idea. It was worth while. I actually learned a good deal about the vines and soils. Once we were done with that I got a chance to taste some of the '05 cab. The regular '05 cab is the best Pride regular cab I have taste to date. (I've tried '97, '01, '02 and '03) Simply put, This wine is wonderful. If they would have let me, I would have emptied my '03's and filled them with the '05. The '05 Reserve isn't blended yet but I tried 1 lot. The wine had massive structure but wonderful tannins. Much like the '01's. I expect that these will be exceptional. From what I tasted today I could see Parker rating both of these "extraordinary."

I also tasted '04 Corte Riva today at Pride for the first time. (Asst winemaker Romel Rivera's label) This wine is no joke. These wines seem to be built for the long haul. Big tannins but very smooth and not overly drying. Straight out of the bottle, I would say that its more like thePride reserve than the regular. If you like Pride these are a no brainer. Less money than the regulars and I feel a little better.

Another fun trip to Pride. Here is what I came away with today:

1. I have all but given up on '03 Napa/Sonoma Cabs & Merlot. I just dont feel they have it.

2. 2004 is a step up from 2003 for sure. (at least at pride)

3. Watch out for the '05 Pride's. Its possible that they will beat out the '01's.

4. Order more ( ) of the '04 Corte Riva cab and merlot as soon as they are released.