Wispy suggestionsof loam and briar are almost obscured by chocolate and cherries in the highly ripe aromas of this one, but, the wine judiciously takes a step back in the mouth from excess and eschews simple ripeness in favor of sweet oak and deep, fully extracted fruit. Its pushy tannins do get in the way of early enjoyment, but it is certain to smooth and expand over half a decade or more.

Dense and rich, displaying currant, licorice and spice aromas, with concentrated plum, espresso and loamy flavors that finish with firm, minerally tannins. Best from 2011 through 2015. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 6,077 cases made. –TF

Medium to medium-dark ruby color; attractive, fragrant, spicy, plummy, red berry fruit aroma; full body; rich, textured, concentrated, cedary, dark currant and black cherry fruit flavors with good depth and structure; medium-full tannin; lingering aftertaste. Deserves several more years of bottle aging. Very highly recommended.

Made in the Pride style, this is a big, powerful wine that should age well. It’s enormously ripe, with flamboyant cassis, cherry pie filling, milk chocolate, licorice and smoky oak flavors that are wrapped into thoroughly modern, softly refined tannins. Just beautiful, and should develop through 2012.

Napa’s Spring Mountain, family-owned Pride Mountain Vineyards has made itself into a Merlot star with wines like this one. Winemaker Sally Johnson added some Cabernet Sauvignon for structure, but the black cherry fruit is pure Merlot, mingling with the mocha, graphite and wild berries.