“ . . . a candidate for the finest Merlot-based wine I have ever tasted from northern California . . . how in the hell does he (Bob Foley) get Merlot to be this great!”

Robert Parker, writing of Pride Mountain Vineyards 2001 Vintner Select Merlot
The Wine Advocate, December 2003

Of our eight vineyard blocks of Merlot, the cream of the crop in 2002 was again the Mountain Top block. With more stuffing than most Cabernets, these bottles should have a warning label, “Not to be opened by the meek or the mild!” Like the whole body “wow” that comes from bursting a handful of warm, ripe blackberries against the roof of your mouth on a hot summer day, more than a beverage, this 100% varietal wine is a feast for the senses. A hint of cassis, a little cedar, and all that dark fruit are wrapped in a layer of fine dark chocolate and finished with just a hint of espresso. Not for the faint of heart, we do our part once again to dispel the myth that Merlot is for beginners.