Pride Mountain Vineyards, Merlot
Pride Mountain Vineyards crafts one of California’s most epic Merlot. What makes this wine so special? Mountain Merlot is unrivaled for its power and intensity. At 1800-2100 feet elevation, there is more sunlight, resulting in thicker skins, more concentration, color, and depth. It’s easy to call it atypical as a “Cabernet Drinker’s Merlot” and move on. But that does this noble grape a disservice. When planted in the right location and farmed with care, Merlot is sensual, palate-coating, and simply delicious. This is why sommeliers all across the country insist on carrying this wine and eagerly await their allocation each vintage.
Incredibly perfumed and lifted with black cherry, black raspberry, sagebrush, garrigue, fresh tobacco, licorice, bergamot tea, violet, and lavender. The palate is round and chewy with a velvety milk chocolate middle and eternal finish. Hints of oak frame the wine and a strong bead of black volcanic minerality persists alongside the glorious fruit. Delicious now, this mountain Merlot will reward time in the cellar and evolve elegantly.