Red and black fruit aromas range from cherry to plum to currant with minerally slate and darker subtle notes of caramel, licorice and tar adding intrigue. The palate possesses a sensuous roundness so typical of great merlot with a beautiful lithe energy echoing with the dark flavors on the long finish.Those familiar with our most limited wines may know that here at Pride we have a fanatical appreciation for Clone 3 merlot as expressed on our property. Our Reserve Claret and Vintner Select Merlot have always been built entirely from this clone. In 2015 we replanted our sundrenched Rocky Top block to Clone 3 merlot and 2019 marks the first time that this fantastic Rocky Top lot is contributing significantly to our estate Merlot blend. Finished with 9% cabernet sauvignon from the Napa side of our estate, this is a wine to be savored for years to come. | Pride Mountain VineyardsThe classic 2019 Merlot comes 70% from Napa County and 30% from Sonoma County. It offers more black cherry and darker fruits as well as Bordeaux-like notes of cedarwood, damp earth, and spice. Medium-bodied on the palate, nicely balanced, and textured, it has a firmer edge that's going to soften with a year or two of bottle age. It should drink nicely through 2029. | 90 points, Jeb Dunnuck for jebdunnuck.com The 2019 Merlot is very pretty in this vintage. Floral and spice notes give the Merlot a striking upper register that is both distinctive and alluring. Sweet red cherry, cinnamon and rose petal all build nicely in the glass. Best of all, the Pride Merlot will drink well right out of the gate. | 93 points, Antonio Galloni