2021 Pride Mountain Vineyards Merlot | Napa & Sonoma Counties California 750ml

More than any other Bordelaise variety, Merlot is defined by the fruit it brings to your glass. This 2021 Merlot delivers on that promise and goes much further. Layered on top of the core aromas of blackberry and just-ripe plum are complex notes of bay and dark chocolate. Subtle hints of black cherry and temperate forest will entice the pinot noir lover, while its structure and tension, lent to it by our ample mountain sunshine, will impress even the most skeptical of Cabernet fans. This wine will be a lovely complement to any meal and has the gravitas to lay down for 15 years or more. It's hard to imagine a more perfect balance of power and elegance. | Pride Mountain Vineyards

Lots of red plums, darker chocolate, and tobacco notes emerge from the 2021 Merlot, a beautifully textured, medium-bodied Pomerol look-alike that has fine tannins, notable purity, and a great finish. It's beautifully done and utterly delicious, satisfying Merlot to drink over the coming decade. | 92 points, Jeb Dunnuck for jebdunnuck.com

The 2021 Merlot is packed with dark blue/purplish fruit, new leather, spice, tobacco, mocha and licorice. Juicy and enveloping, with terrific energy, the Merlot is absolutely delicious; the brighter style here is so compelling. Plush contours wrap it all together. | 93 points, Antonio Galloni