The wow factor of this Merlot-based Bordeaux blend is undeniable. With the rest of the blend consisting of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, it’s drinkable now, with notes of black currants, cherries, dark chocolate and oak. The tannins are gorgeous and the alcohol is high.  — S.H.

56% Merlot/span>; 43% Cabernet Sauvignon; 1% Petit Verdot. It is impossible not be very impressed by the sheer ambition of this extraordinarily rich wine, and, if there will no doubt be those who regard it is as being too oaky, too ripe and too flavorful, those same attributes are sure to be regarded as real assets by others. There is no questioning its richness, and it presently cares little about nuance, but despite its flamboyance, it is far being near ready and its recommendation is contingent on a half-dozen-year wait.

The 2010 Claret Reserve, 56% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot aged 22 months in 40% new French oak, boasts a stunning perfume of lead pencil shavings, charcoal, incense, blackberries, cassis and forest floor aromas. This full-bodied, concentrated, multidimensional red fills the mouth and coats the palate, but never comes across as heavy or unruly. The tannins are velvety and well-integrated in this spectacular, classic Napa red. Drink it over the next 12-15 years. As always, this winery situated at the crest of Spring Mountain on both sides of the Napa/Sonoma counties boundary, has turned out a portfolio of interesting as well as satisfying wines. Amazingly, Pride Mountain Vineyards now owns over 85 acres at high elevation sites spread over the top of Spring Mountain. Pride Mountain’s two flagship offerings are much more limited in availability, with only 569 cases of the 2010 Claret Reserve and 1,365 cases of the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon/span> Reserve.

($135) (56% merlot 43% cabernet sauvignon and 1% Petit Verdot):  Bright ruby-red.  Very complex aromas of briary dark berries, minerals and resiny herbs; less obviously ripe than the 2009, which I retasted next to this bottle.  Spicy and light on its feet; not a fleshy style but boasts a fine-grained texture with lovely lift to the dark berry, clove and nutmeg flavors.  The gripping finish features firm-edged tannins that will require extended aging.  In a shell today.  (I scored the 2009 Reserve claret 93, as I did back in Issue 162.)

Deep and densley structured, with toasty red currant and dried herb aromas, leading to deep flavors of cherry, cedar and mocha. Finishes with dusty tannins. - Tim Fish's Recommended California Merlots