2014 Pride Merlot

Intense ripe aromas of plum, berries, black tea and verbena all pour from the glass along with more subtle notes of truffle, baking spice, cumin and vanilla. In the mouth, the 2014 Merlot is super-ripe and expressive, with a luscious, fruit-driven dense mid-palate and tannins that are a case study for the descriptor “velvety.” The finish possesses length and power and a subtle minerality.

The blend involves all of our twelve merlot vineyard blocks, planted about equally to Clones 3 and 181, along with 12% cabernet sauvignon from our Quartz Hill, Rock Arch and County Line vineyard blocks. Our flagship 2014 Merlot proves once again just how great merlot can be when it is grown at elevation above the fog line on south-facing warm sunny slopes.

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Appellation: Napa/ Sonoma
Vintage: 2014
Harvest: October 2014
Fermentation: Stainless Steel
Cooperage: French Oak
Blend: 88% Merlot
12% Cabernet Sauvignon
Alcohol: 14.6%
Bottling: April 2016
Production: 4681 cases
Release Date: August 2016
Release Price: $60.00

Reviews

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  • Jeb Dunnuck: December 2017 - Rating: 91

    Black cherries, plums, graphite, and scorched earth notes all emerge from the 2014 Merlot, which also includes 12% Cabernet Sauvignon. Brought up in 40% new French oak, this plump, rounded, sexy beauty has no hard edges, notable purity, and a fresh, lively, clean style that’s going to drink nicely for 10-15 years.

  • California Grapevine: Volume 43, October 2017 - Rating: 90

    Medium-dark ruby; attractive, earthy, blackberry fruit aroma with notes of dried herbs, dark chocolate, and toasty oak; full body; rich, ripe, textured, cedary, black cherry and dark berry fruit flavors with undertones of toasty oak and a bit tight on the finish; full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Approachable now though deserving some bottle aging. Very highly recommended.

  • Wine Spectator: Web Only- 2017 - Rating: 91

    Powerful, with good cut to the well-structured flavors of dark currant, plum and blackberry, supported by firm tannins. Dark chocolate and Asian spice notes fill the savory and lip-smacking finish. Drink now through 2022. 4,681 cases made.

    –KM