pride merlot 12

750ML

2012

"Exuberant" is the word that springs to mind when the cork on this wine is pulled. Swirling aromas of plum, raspberry, strawberry, sandalwood and cocoa powder immediately make their mark, followed by a palate bursting with fruit, and a full, round texture that balances density against liveliness through just the right amount of acidity.  The finish is ripe and rich, with a lingering sensation of pleasing silky tannins.  After a few cooler vintages that made delicious but more subdued Merlots, the is a return to a more expansive mouth-filling style that typifies warm, even growing seasons on our mountaintop.

Joined by 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, this stellar wine from an almost 50-50 Napa-Sonoma divide delivers big flavor and tannin and yet exudes vibrant juicy plum and blueberry, keeping it grounded and alive. Silky through and through, it's complex in dark chocolate and a touch of dried herbs

The outstanding Merlot is composed of 92% Merlot and 8% Cabernet Sauvignon aged 18 months in 40% new French oak. There are 5,350 cases. It exhibits a classic Merlot bouquet of coffee beans, white chocolate, mocha, black cherries and plums. This lush, heady, sexy, medium to full-bodied Merlot can be consumed over the next 7-8 years.