"Our eighty-three vineyard acres drape across the gentle rolling crest of the Mayacamas Mountains some 2000 feet above the floor of the Napa Valley. Being on the mountaintop provides many of the vines with desirable southern exposures, which is unique for a Spring Mountain property. The elevation also puts us above the morning fog that often blankets the Sonoma and Napa Valleys, with the result that the vines are bathed in sunshine from dawn to dusk.

During the growing season, the average temperature at Pride Mountain Vineyards is several degrees cooler than in the Napa Valley, which is beneficial to protecting the natural acidity of the grapes. The daily temperature fluctuations are also much smaller, with morning temperatures being considerably warmer and afternoon temperatures considerably cooler than in the Napa Valley. This results in gradual, steady ripening and long hang times." - Winery Notes

Pride Mountain Merlot 2009 Tasting Notes

"Knockout nose of sweet dark cherry, violets, poppy seed cake and the subtle hint of mahogany chest. Silky and round in the mouth. An elegant slow-building attack that yields to gorgeous intense cherry and plum flavors with hints of camphor and resiny underbrush. The tannins are ultra refined with no noticeable chalky grip, but with enough time in the mouth, a pleasing firmness emerges. Concentrated flavors with a lingering persistent finish and no hint of alcohol whatsoever at any point in this wine experience. Yum." - Winemaker Notes