Duckhorn Vineyards
Napa Valley Merlot
Napa Valley, California, USA
Duckhorn is always solid. But this ‘20 vintage struggled a bit out of the bottle. Overly tannic, unusual for this wine. I may have run into an off bottle. But with enough air the uniqueness of this great Merlot still came around. To be revisited.
Duckhorn is always solid. But this ‘20 vintage struggled a bit out of the bottle. Overly tannic, unusual for this wine. I may have run into an off bottle. But with enough air the uniqueness of this great Merlot still came around. To be revisited.
Apr 10th, 2023
Blend of 80% Merlot, 17% Cab Sauv, 2% Cab Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, deep Ruby with aromas of rich berry fruit and earthy spice tones. On the palate flavors of rich blackberry and black cherry with sweet spice, licorice and cacao notes. Fine tannins, long finish ending with oak and mineral character. Good to drink now, will age some.
Blend of 80% Merlot, 17% Cab Sauv, 2% Cab Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, deep Ruby with aromas of rich berry fruit and earthy spice tones. On the palate flavors of rich blackberry and black cherry with sweet spice, licorice and cacao notes. Fine tannins, long finish ending with oak and mineral character. Good to drink now, will age some.
Dec 27th, 2022
Cherry, oak, tobacco, plum, well balanced
Cherry, oak, tobacco, plum, well balanced
Nov 30th, 2024
Strong medium red fruit notes paired with pork chop.
Strong medium red fruit notes paired with pork chop.
Nov 28th, 2024
Deep ruby color.
Aromas of spice, black plum, black cherry, black raspberry.
Dry. Flavors of black cherry, plum, raspberry, cinnamon, clove, vanilla, woody finish. Medium-rich, chewy tannins.
Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 3/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5
Deep ruby color.
Aromas of spice, black plum, black cherry, black raspberry.
Dry. Flavors of black cherry, plum, raspberry, cinnamon, clove, vanilla, woody finish. Medium-rich, chewy tannins.
Intensity: 4/5
Complexity: 3/5
Balance: 4/5
Finish: 4/5
This worked well with a spicy green chicken burrito
This worked well with a spicy green chicken burrito
Nov 29th, 2023Tonight we did a Napa merlot tasting with our Spaghetti dinner. 2020 Duckhorn’s Napa Merlot against 2019 Whitehall Lane Merlot. The Duckhorn was deep ruby with a dark cherry and plum or pomegranate aroma. On the bud, dark berries, cedar, and a spice note. On the finish, it has the slightest bite. You have to wait till tomorrow for the winner. Our winner is the Whitehall. Note the this is $40 at the winery while the Duckhorn is $58.
Tonight we did a Napa merlot tasting with our Spaghetti dinner. 2020 Duckhorn’s Napa Merlot against 2019 Whitehall Lane Merlot. The Duckhorn was deep ruby with a dark cherry and plum or pomegranate aroma. On the bud, dark berries, cedar, and a spice note. On the finish, it has the slightest bite. You have to wait till tomorrow for the winner. Our winner is the Whitehall. Note the this is $40 at the winery while the Duckhorn is $58.
Apr 20th, 2023
Maybe just an off night, but I found this a bit closed. Usual profile, but muted.
Maybe just an off night, but I found this a bit closed. Usual profile, but muted.
Mar 18th, 2023