2009 Pride Merlot
From Steve Pride: Knockout nose of sweet dark cherry, violets, poppy seed cake and the subtle hint of mahogany chest. Silky and round in the mouth. An elegant slow-building attack that yields to gorgeous intense cherry and plum flavors with hints of camphor and resiny underbrush. The tannins are ultra refined with no noticeable chalky grip, but with enough time in the mouth, a pleasing firmness emerges. Concentrated flavors with a lingering persistent finish and no hint of alcohol whatsoever at any point in this wine experience. Yum.
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Profile
| Appellation: | Napa/Sonoma |
|---|---|
| Vintage: | 2009 |
| Harvest: | October 2009 |
| Fermentation: | Stainless Steel |
| Cooperage: | French Oak |
| Blend: | 88% Merlot 9% Cabernet Sauvignon 2.5% Petit Verdot .5% Cabernet Franc |
| Alcohol: | 14.6% |
| Bottling: | March 2011 |
| Production: | 4581 cases |
| Release Date: | August 2011 |
| Price: | $58.00 |
- October 23, 2012 Steven Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: May/June 2011 Issue 156
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Rating: 90
(with 9% cabernet sauvignon, 2.5% petit verdot and 0.5%cabernet franc): Good bright medium-deep red. Sexy, expressive aromas of red currant, red plum, chocolate and nutty oak. Sweet and pliant in the mouth, with enticing flavors of red berries, cocoa powder and spices. Finishes with a fine dusting of tannins and lovely lingering perfume. According to winemaker Sally Jackson, the merlot in 2009 had less weight and structure than usual, but this wine is a charmer. - October 23, 2012 California Grapevine, February/March Issue
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Rating: 91
Medium-dark ruby color; attractive, intense, plummy, sweet blackberry fruit aroma with notes of dried herbs, green olive, and vanilla; full body; rich, refined, spicy, ripe dark fruit flavors; well balanced and structured; medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Enjoyable to taste now though deserving several more years of bottle aging. Very highly recommended.