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2019 Pride Mountain Vintner Select Cuvee Merlot

Not Currently In Auction

Latest Sale Price

September 3, 2023 - $51

Estimate

RATINGS

93+ The Wine Advocate

Showing greater ripeness and purity than the regular bottling of Merlot, it oozes black cherries on the nose, tinged with cassis and hints of oak-derived scents of baking spices. Medium to full-bodied, it's ripe and expansive, flowing easily across the palate and leaving a plush trail of velvety texture and softly dusty tannins on the finish.

REGION

United States, California, Sonoma County

Sonoma County is not an AVA, but it is a commonly used informal designation for wines made outside of more specific AVAs within Sonoma, which is a large wine producing region just west of Napa Valley. Though Sonoma is often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor Napa Valley, it has a long history of wine production. The area specialized in jug wine until the mid-20th century, when Sonoma producers took a cue from Napa and started improving quality. Unlike Napa, where Cabernet Sauvignon is king, Sonoma specialized in Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel, though excellent Cabs are produced too. There are at present 16 AVAs within Sonoma County, and, like much of the West Coast of the United States, new AVAs are created in Sonoma County with regularity. Some Sonoma appellations, such as the Russian River Valley, are renowned for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

TYPE

Red Wine, Merlot

The Merlot grape is such a deep blue that it is named for the blackbird. It’s an early ripening grape and one of the primary varietals used In Bordeaux. Merlot is also grown in the "International style," which is harvested later to bring out more tannins and body.