Fashioned from 100% Merlot, the 2010 Merlot Vintner’s Select was aged 20 months in 40% new French oak. It reveals a big, sweet nose of chocolate, espresso bean, black currants and black cherries intermixed with toasty oak and forest floor. This lusty, rich, fruity, plush, full-bodied Merlot reveals some hefty weight and power (15.2% alcohol), but delivers plenty of character and quality. Enjoy it over the next decade. As always, this winery situated at the crest of Spring Mountain on both sides of the Napa/Sonoma counties boundary, has turned out a portfolio of interesting as well as satisfying wines. Amazingly, Pride Mountain Vineyards now owns over 85 acres at high elevation sites spread over the top of Spring Mountain. Pride Mountain’s two flagship offerings are much more limited in availability, with only 569 cases of the 2010 Claret Reserve and 1,365 cases of the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. Tel. (707) 963-4949