Pride Mountain Vineyards Merlot 2020
(Napa Valley, California) - [WE 93] [VM 92]

About the Winery:

Nestled in the Mayacamas Mountains between St. Helena and Santa Rosa, the picturesque 235 acre estate of Pride Mountain Vineyards sprawls across Spring Mountain at roughly 2,100 feet, six miles up a winding, narrow road above St. Helena.  The winery produces unique wines in contrast to those made in the neighboring valleys. The vineyards are set above the fog line, which enables the grapes to be exposed to California's hot sun from dawn to dusk. As a result, the flavors of these wines tend to be rich with ripe black fruits, "balance, nuance, and complexity." They are made to be approachable at a young age with the capability to age beneficially for 10-15 years. Their first wine was produced in 1991.

Notes from the Winemaker:

Not only is this a great merlot, it is as beautiful a merlot as we have ever made.  What makes it so special?  As mandated by merlot, the 2020 is foremost about the fruit, with ripe mulberry and kirsch taking center stage to provide pure smile-inducing pleasure. But this is no simple fruit bomb.  It permeates your senses with tangy elderberry, verbena, lemon grass and savory black pepper notes.  It is fresh, nuanced and cerebral in addition to providing the comforting fruit pleasure and luxuriant mouthfeel we require from merlot.  The finish rises with verve and excitement resulting in complex choreography if you look for it, but indulgent relaxed pleasure if you are just stretched out on the couch.  This year’s 2020 Pride Mountain Vineyards Merlot defines the essence of what makes merlot such a great varietal.