Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot (375ML half-bottle) 2012
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Wine Enthusiast
Benefiting from a larger percentage of Three Palms Vineyard fruit than ever before, this majority Merlot also holds Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The result is a density of rich, soft and spicy red fruit supported by structured tannins. This is ready for the table and a wide range of pairings.
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Tasting Panel
Smooth, lush and ripe with tangy berry fruit; silky, complex and supple with good length and balance.
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James Suckling
A fresh style of merlot with light chocolate and blueberry character. Medium body, firm tannins and a crisp finish. Food matcher. Drink now.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
The master speaks. Who is the master, you ask? Well, Duckhorn, of course. Since the 1978 vintage they have been golden. The 2012 is really pretty and quite substantial, ripe currant flavors abound; plenty of palate feel and tremendously inviting. Yes, I'd drink this anytime, even with my colleague and friend, Gregg.
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Wine Spectator
Focused and deeply structured, with bold blackberry and cedar aromas and flavors, accented with a plush texture and notes of cherry, tobacco and mineral. Drink now through 2022.
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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.”
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.