The 2006 Merlot Vintner's Select offers up aromas and flavors of mocha, chocolate, berry fruit, smoke, and herbs, a full-bodied richness, a deep, plush mouthfeel, and a long, heady finish. Although this is a Napa report, I took the liberty of including the Pride Mountain Sonoma bottlings since their wines tend to be primarily Bordeaux varietals rather than the Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, etc. that will be covered in the Sonoma report. My apologies to subscribers and the winery for some mistakes I made last year in issue #180, when I listed 2006 instead of 2005 for the Reserve and Vintner's Select wines. This is the strongest portfolio of Pride Mountain wines that has been made under the new winemaker, Sally Johnston, who replaced Bob Foley several years ago. Tel. (707) 963-4949; Fax (707) 963-6039

The 2006 Merlot Vintner's Select offers up aromas and flavors of mocha, chocolate, berry fruit, smoke, and herbs, a full-bodied richness, a deep, plush mouthfeel, and a long, heady finish.Although this is a Napa report, I took the liberty of including the Pride Mountain Sonoma bottlings since their wines tend to be primarily Bordeaux varietals rather than the Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, etc. that will be covered in the Sonoma report. My apologies to subscribers and the winery for some mistakes I made last year in issue #180, when I listed 2006 instead of 2005 for the Reserve and Vintner's Select wines. This is the strongest portfolio of Pride Mountain wines that has been made under the new winemaker, Sally Johnston, who replaced Bob Foley several years ago.Tel. (707) 963-4949; Fax (707) 963-6039

There’s no Merlot in California that’s richer or more decadent than this. The flavors of cherry pie filling, cassis, red currants, chocolate, licorice and smoky oak are totally delicious. Granted, the wine is a little soft, with a melted texture, and classicists will complain it’s made in the International style. They’re missing out on a real hedonistic pleasure.——S.H.(7/1/2009)—— 94