2009 Pride Mountain Vineyards Vintner Select Merlot Sonoma County

(92 Points) A supple and fleshy red, with zesty aromas of black cherry, mocha and spice that lead to rich flavors of red currant, toast and spice. Tannins are ripe and well-structured. Drink now through 2017. Wine Spectator: November 30, 2012

The Vintner Select Merlot swirls with heady aromas of super-ripe cherry, raspberry and blackberry fruit notes. On the palate, the wine is rounder than round, full of luscious fruit, and finishes with the big, powerful structure of a mountain wine. As in years past, the wine is 100% clone 3 merlot, and is sourced from the same vines that contribute the merlot component to our Reserve Claret.

APPELLATION: Sonoma County

VINTAGE: 2009

HARVEST: October 2009

FERMENTATION: Stainless Steel

COOPERAGE: French Oak

BLEND: 100% Merlot

ALCOHOL: 14.8%

BOTTLING: July 2011

PRODUCTION: 541 cases

RELEASE DATE: January 2012