Duckhorn Estate Grown Merlot 2005

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    Enthusiast
  • 91 Wine
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Duckhorn Estate Grown Merlot 2005 Front Label
Duckhorn Estate Grown Merlot 2005 Front Label

Product Details


Varietal

Region

Producer

Vintage
2005

Size
750ML

Features
Collectible

Your Rating

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Somm Note

Winemaker Notes

Our Estate Grown Merlot represents over 20 years of research and experience with Napa Valley Merlot. From our first vintage in 1978, we knew that we were in uncharted territory—one of a few who had seriously considered producing a varietal Merlot. Our estate vineyards are located in the best alluvial fans of the Napa Valley starting with the Selby Creek fan in the north, moving to Ritchie Creek in St. Helena, and finishing with the Rector Creek fan in Yountville. The shallow topsoil and high water drainage of the alluvial soils force the vine to send roots deep in search of water. The rocks retain the day's heat bringing relief to the vine during the cold spring mornings and foggy summer nights. The grapes remain small and the leaf canopy restrained. Our Estate Grown Merlot is produced from the finest fruit, and is the pride of our Merlot portfolio.

This full-bodied Merlot offers ripe, seductive flavors, well-integrated tannins and a sophisticated palate structure. The bouquet reveals layered aromatics of plum, vanilla bean and spice, as well as evocative notes of saddle leather, tobacco leaf and rich, moist earth. On the palate, these elements lead to rich blackberry, red cherry and mocha flavors, complemented by inviting notes of blueberry, loganberry and currant.

Professional Ratings

  • 94
    Deeply impressive on every level, from the profound, inviting aromas of currants and fine oak to the mouthfeel, which is plush and important. Encased in a superb structure of acidity and firm tannins are ripe, complex flavors of currants, violets, olive tapenade and oatmeal raisin cookies. Completely dry, this beautiful wine should age well for six or more years.
  • 91
    Rich, concentrated yet supple, with plush blackberry and mocha aromas and ripe yet tightly wound black currant, lead pencil and cedar flavors that finish with firm, dusty tannins.

Other Vintages

2006
  • 94 Wine
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2004
  • 95 Wine
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  • 91 Wine
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2003
  • 92 Wine &
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  • 91 Connoisseurs'
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2002
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2001
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1995
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Duckhorn

Duckhorn Vineyards

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Duckhorn Vineyards, California
Duckhorn Vineyards Winery Video

Founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976, Duckhorn Vineyards has been crafting classic Napa Valley wines for nearly 40 years. This winemaking tradition has grown to include seven meticulously farmed Estate vineyards, located throughout the various microclimates of the Napa Valley. Focused on quality and consistency, these Estate vineyards are an essential element in making wines of distinction. Pioneering and perfecting Merlot as a premium varietal, Duckhorn Vineyards now makes several elegant Merlot and distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings that showcase its premium vineyard sites. Duckhorn Vineyards has been named one of the “Top 100 Wineries” in the world eight times by Wine & Spirits, and the 2014 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot Three Palms Vineyard was named the “2017 Wine of the Year,” topping Wine Spectator’s annual list of the world’s “Top 100 Wines.”

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As Napa Valley’s third most planted grape, Napa Valley Merlot shows time and time again its potential to produce exceptional results. Napa’s vaunted combination of climate, soil and the human factor of winemaking expertise lead to big, ripe, cellar-worthy and world-class versions.

Whether made by itself in single varietal bottlings or as an important role in Bordeaux Blends, Merlot continues a prominent role in this famous region. While Cabernet typically takes the lead role, Merlot’s contribution—even at 10% to 20% or so—is significant indeed. Often described as “the flesh on Cabernet’s bones,” Merlot lends a soft, round and plush character that beautifully complements Cabernet’s linear, full-throttle structure. Its flavors of plums plus subtle herbs and mint also dovetail nicely with Cabernet’s blackberry and cassis.

SGA93303_2005 Item# 93303

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