The 1997 Merlot might be called LIQUEFIED VIAGRA. An incredibly sexy nose of smoke, black fruits, cappuccino, and toasty wood is followed by an expansive, terrifically concentrated wine with a sumptuous texture, no hard edges, beautifully integrated acidity and tannin, and a long, 35 second finish. According to the back label, about 5% Cabernet Sauvignon was added in the blend of this stunningly aromatic, multi-dimensional wine. It should drink well for 12-15 years.

"SPECTATOR SELECTION" Wonderful ripe fruit is the hallmark of this lovely California Merlot, which displays rich and complex cherry, currant, anise, cedar and spice flavors. Gains in depth and nuance through the finish, where it keeps pumping out the flavors. Drink now through 2006. 5,208 cases made.

One of JAMES LAUBE'S TOP SCORING MERLOTS. Wonderful ripe fruit, with rich, complex cherry, currant, anise, cedar and spice. Gains depth on the finish. CELLAR -WORTHY MERLOT, PRIDE NAPA VALLEY. Each of the Pride wines repeatedly impresses with rich, polished, deeply concentrated flavors, yet it's the Merlot that seems to have an added e dge in complexity, even over the dramatic Cabernet and Reserve. The 1997 (92 points) is a great value at $30 (5, 208 cases) and the only outstanding 1997 so far.

Rich, ripe and wonderfully deep in black cherry fruitiness, this bold, intensely scented Merlot shows accents of violet and a generous dollop of creamy oak that bring breadth and welcome complexity throughout. Full, fleshy and positively mouthfilling, it follows through beautifully in the mouth with a wealth of handsomely oaked, ripe-fruit flavors that persist in a rich and lengthy finish. Imposing now, but very much deserving of age, it will only continue to improve over the next four to six years.