Pride's 2009 Merlot Vintner's Select is gorgeous and silky from the very first taste. Sweet red cherries, licorice, mint, cinnamon and dried flowers are all woven together in this beautifully balanced wine. The 2009 has lovely mid-palate pliancy to match its radiant, generous personality. I tasted the 2009 Merlot after all the Pride Cabernets and it more than held its own. Anticipated maturity: 2014-2024. These current releases from Pride are impressive for their consistency across the board. Pride does so many things well these days. Most of the reds I tasted were 2009s, a vintage Steve Pride and winemaker Sally Johnson describe as cooler than average, but warmer than either 2010 or 2011. Most of the fruit was brought in between the end of October and early November, quite late for the year, but a great example of how fruit matures on this property, which straddles Napa and Sonoma in the heart of Spring Mountain. Tel. (707) 963-4949