2010 Pride Mountain Vineyards Vintner Select Merlot Sonoma County

(94 points) " Fashioned from 100% Merlot, the 2010 Merlot Vintner’s Select was aged 20 months in 40% new French oak. It reveals a big, sweet nose of chocolate, espresso bean, black currants and black cherries intermixed with toasty oak and forest floor. This lusty, rich, fruity, plush, full-bodied Merlot reveals some hefty weight and power (15.2% alcohol), but delivers plenty of character and quality. Enjoy it over the next decade." Wine Advocate.