Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot

Tasting Note Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot

The wine is rich and luxurious with flavors of ripe red berries, fig compote, and vanilla, enveloped in soft tannins. The addition of Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine extra volume and structure, with recognizable aromas of black cherries, plums, and spices. It is a wine that can be enjoyed now or in a few years, with the potential to age and further develop. The finish is rich and long.

Food Pairing

Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot is a perfect match for the barbecue. A steak or Angus burgers are its best friends. In addition, ham, lamb, and meatloaf also pair perfectly with this wine.

Additional information

Merlot is the first grape variety with which Dan Duckhorn started his winemaking adventure. Inspired by the potential of this grape in Bordeaux, he decided to make wine from this grape in Napa Valley. The wine is a beautiful representation of the diversity of soils and microclimates in Napa Valley.

After the harvest, the different grape varieties and parcels are fermented and aged separately before they are blended. The aging takes place over 15 months in French oak barrels, of which 40% are new and 60% are neutral.

Duckhorn Vineyards was founded in 1976 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in Napa Valley and has built a significant reputation. Craftsmanship and quality come first, and this is reflected in the varied portfolio of wines that reflect the unique terroir of Napa Valley. The winery uses carefully selected grapes from different vineyards to produce wines of consistently high quality.

Wine scores/awards

• 2022:
  • 92 points – Wine Enthusiast
  • 92 points – James Suckling
• 2021:
  • 93 points – James Suckling
  • 92 points – Wine Enthusiast
  • 91 points – Wine Spectator
• 2019:
  • 94 points – Wine Review Online
  • 92 points – Wine Spectator
    
    Fun fact: The name “Duckhorn” does not come from wine, but from the hobby of founder Dan Duckhorn; he loved duck hunting