Pride Mountain Merlot 2023 - 750ml

94pts Decanter

Wow—this is such a flavour-packed Merlot, generous and full of energy, yet beautifully grounded in its robust, mountain-driven tannic profile. Layers of subtle bay laurel freshness and firm grip give it real character. This is no wimpy wine. If you’re a Cabernet Sauvignon lover, try this. If you’re a wine lover, try this. The freshness factor is off the charts—you won’t be able to get enough of it.

94pts Vinous

The 2023 Merlot is another terrific wine in this range from Pride. Blackberry, chocolate, licorice, cloves and new leather are all amplified to the maximum. The Merlot is one of the most overt wines in the range, in both its intense fruit and strong torrefaction notes. Even so, it is a total pleasure bomb.

Winemaker Notes

Fruit is at the forefront of the 2023 Merlot. Brimming with aromas of black cherry and sun-ripened blackberries, the intense fruit gradually ebbs to reveal enticing hints of nutmeg, shaved dark chocolate and fresh summer savory. All the elements combine in a way that suggests homemade blackberry cobbler, cooling on the stove. This is clearly a merlot born in the mountains, so while its structure is elegant and fine textured, there is considerable power folded in owing to our sunshine and moderate nights. The finish is long but balanced by a bright tension that gives this wine its juicy, pleasing nature. While dominated by fruit, the second and third sips reveal lovely notes of cigar box and dried sage. These aromas hint at what is in store as this wine continues to relax into its true self. Enjoy with abandon now, but be sure to save at least a few for the long haul.

Blend: 89% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot