An estate wine from Pride's mountain vineyards that overlap Napa-Sonoma border, this powerful young Merlot has more structure than most. It's complicated: Rather than immediately delicious in style, it's tough, packed with flavor and all wrapped up in itself. The flavors are black (chocolate, dark plum and plum skin) while there are glimmers of light (jasmine and other white floral scents). As a Merlot, it has a soft, generous middle. But as a mountain wine, the tannins complicate matters and make it earthy, a touch bitter, the finish itself tight. Give it time to absorb some read more...of the tannin and the brighter aspects of the wine should begin to shine; the complexity should also prove fascinating with age.    (hide)

Excellent with beef tenderloin.