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| Rob Williams - Merlots and Syrahs | ||
Rob's "Wine of the Week" Archives So here is my wine review for the week of May 28th, 2007... Pride Merlot 2005
Description: Regular readers of this space know that I love Pride wines and find them to be the class of Napa. The release of their 2005 merlot is our first look at the vintage through the eyes of one of the premiere vintners in California. How to Get it: It's available at some BevMos, some wine merchants, on-line, and at the winery in Napa. How Much: At the winery, $50 per bottle. My Thoughts: If I had never tasted a Pride wine, and I were simply comparing this to the "field," I would remark that this was a merlot for "cabernet" lovers, meaning that it is big, full, and tight for a merlot and it needs time to not just breathe, but age. On its face, it's VERY complex for a merlot and the flavors that do bust through the tannins are dark chocolate, cassis and some stiff, hearty tobacco. Had I never tasted a Pride wine, had I not known their winery, I would have said this wine is trying too hard. Overall Score: The truth is that Pride doesn't make wine for wimps and their merlot has never been subtle. This is a big, full, awesome red wine that needs to lie down for a while and mature, waiting to become the biggest merlot you've ever tasted. It's tight and young and it's far from your typical merlot, but in 18 months, this wine will WOW you. 4 vines
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