94+ The 2001 Merlot Mountaintop Vineyard exhibits an even more saturated ruby/purple color as well as tighter, more restrained aromatics (dusty, earthy, spice box, black cherry and black currant fruit). Rich, full-bodied and extraordinarily young for a Merlot, this big wine comes from Pride’s high elevation (2,000 plus feet) vineyard. Great acidity and plenty of sweet tannin provide structure as well as delineation. While approachable, it will benefit from another 3-4 years of cellaring and should easily last 20-25 years. This is a provocative, high intensity, singular Merlot that will make believers out of this varietal’s critics. - Robert Parker

Dark, rich and creamy, with excellent structure and tiers of currant, blackberry, coffee, mocha and black cherry flavors that are woven together in a seamless package, with a strong burst of fruit complexity on the long, intricate finish. Drink now through 2010. 400 cases made. –JL