2016 Pride Mountain Merlot Vintner's Select
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The 2016 Merlot Vintner Select comes across as shocked in its mid-weight structure and dried-out flavor profile. On the palate, the wine just feels hollow, which in turn exposes the tannins. Sadly, the wine lacks balance.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2016 Merlot Vintner's Select is made of 100% Merlot aged in about 50% new oak, with 59% of the fruit coming from Napa County and 41% from Sonoma County. Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, it rocks up with bombastic notions of baked black plums, blueberry compote and boysenberries with hints of cloves, cinnamon toast, chocolate box and dried herbs. Medium to full-bodied, it completely fills the mouth with vivacious black fruits supported by plush tannins and finishing long and spicy. 558 cases were made.
The 2016 Merlot is a step up over the 2015 and has a rock star bouquet of blackcurrants, smoked herbs, chocolate, and hints of graphite. Fleshy, medium to full-bodied, with notable purity and elegance, it shines for its perfect balance. This is a beautiful Merlot that can be drunk today or cellared for over a decade.