Pride Mountain Vineyards Merlot 2023 (Napa Valley, California) - [JS 95] [DM 94] [VM 94] [JD 94]
Pride Mountain Vineyards Merlot 2023 (Napa Valley, California) - [JS 95] [DM 94] [VM 94] [JD 94]
Pride Mountain Vineyards Merlot 2023 (Napa Valley, California) - [JS 95] [DM 94] [VM 94] [JD 94]
Pride Mountain Vineyards Merlot 2023 (Napa Valley, California) - [JS 95] [DM 94] [VM 94] [JD 94]

Pride Mountain Vineyards Merlot 2023
(Napa Valley, California) - [JS 95] [DM 94] [VM 94] [JD 94]


$75.00 $71.97 Save $3.03
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JS95 DM94 VM94 JD94
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About the Winery:
Nestled in the Mayacamas Mountains between St. Helena and Santa Rosa, the picturesque 235 acre estate of Pride Mountain Vineyards sprawls across Spring Mountain at roughly 2,100 feet, six miles up a winding, narrow road above St. Helena.  The winery produces unique wines in contrast to those made in the neighboring valleys. The vineyards are set above the fog line, which enables the grapes to be exposed to California's hot sun from dawn to dusk. As a result, the flavors of these wines tend to be rich with ripe black fruits, "balance, nuance, and complexity." They are made to be approachable at a young age with the capability to age beneficially for 10-15 years. Their first wine was produced in 1991.

Tasting Notes:
Fruit is at the forefront of our 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        

Alcohol:  14.5%        

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - James Suckling:
"Plush and inviting, showing aromas of crushed blueberries, violets, blood plums, dark cherries and bay leaves. The palate has fine-boned tannins and a rounded, fruit-driven texture that is juicy and mouthwatering. A well-made merlot with touches of petit verdot and cabernet franc. Nicely constructed and very appealing. Drink or hold." R.M. (Feb 2026)

94 Points - Decanter:
"Includes 2% Petit Verdot. Fermented in stainless steel, using mostly free-run juice with some press lots, and aged for 15 months in 45% new French oak. 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." - J.C. (Nov 2025)

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"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." (Nov 2025)

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"Reminding me of a great Pomerol with its juicy, pure, plump, yet elegant style, the 2023 Merlot offers ripe black cherries, blue berries, spring flowers, violets, and classy oak on the nose. It's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with ripe, round, layered fruit, polished tannins, and a great finish. Based on 89% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot and aged 16 months in 40% new French oak, it's unquestionably the finest vintage of this cuvée I've tasted. It's beautiful today yet has another 10-15 years of prime drinking. Drink 2026-2041." (Mar 2026)