Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot

Tasting Notes Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot

The wine is rich and luxurious with flavours of ripe red berries, fig compote, and vanilla, enveloped by soft tannins. The addition of Cabernet Sauvignon gives the wine extra body 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 develop further. The finish is rich and long.

Wine & Food Pairings

Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot pairs perfectly with barbecue. A steak or Angus burgers are its great 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 sub-climates in Napa Valley.

After harvest, the different grape varieties and parcels are fermented and aged separately before being blended. The aging takes place for 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 up a strong reputation. Craftsmanship and quality are paramount, which is reflected in the diverse portfolio of wines that reflect the unique terroir of Napa Valley. The winery uses carefully selected grapes from various vineyards to produce wines of consistently high quality.

Awards/Accolades

• 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, who enjoyed duck hunting