2001 Napa Valley Merlot
Estimated value
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2001 Merlot (a blend of Napa and Sonoma fruit) possesses a healthy dark ruby/purple color, a supple texture and lots of vibrant wild berry fruit intermixed with hints of cocoa, mocha and white chocolate. This fleshy, succulent, sexy, fully mature Merlot is capable of lasting another decade. These impressive 2001s from Pride Mountain Vineyards were made during the regime of Bob Foley and the late Jim Pride. The two most limited production cuvees are the Reserve Claret and Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, which are almost impossible to find. Tel. (707) 963-4949
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Good dark red. Smoky aromas of black raspberry, coffee and nutty oak. Lush, fat and sweet, with layered flavors of black raspberry and sweet oak. Quintessential Pride merlot, with strong fruit complemented but not overwhelmed by 100% new oak.