Winemaker Notes
A classic expression of Napa Valley Merlot, with a fleshy entry and juicy layers of Bing cherry, raspberry, and plum, along with hints of blueberry, cedar, vanilla, and clove. Underscored by polished tannins, the juiciness of the entry evolves into a lush, silky texture that carries the flavors to a long, generous finish marked by notes of freshly ground coffee beans with a splash of ripe, red cherry.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This wine offers aromas of dark fruit, baking spices and soil. Medium to full body with slightly austere tannins, yet fresh and vibrant on the finish. Outstanding, flavorful and focused. A blend of 77% merlot and 22% cabernet sauvignon with malbec and petit verdot. Drink or hold.
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Wine Enthusiast
Blended with 22% Cabernet Sauvignon and tiny percentages of Malbec and Petit Verdot, this is a hearty take on the variety. Full-bodied flavors of black currant and dried herb meld with firm tannins and oak. Textured, richly layered and appealing, it finishes on acents of tobacco and clove.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: There is a reason why Duckhorn Vineyards is synonymous with Merlot. Aside from placing this grape variety on the map with the winery's first release: the 1978 Three Palms Vineyard Merlot, Duckhorn Vineyards has been consistent with its Napa Valley Merlot. The 2016 vintage is sturdy, well-structured; and firm. TASTING NOTES: This wine is beautiful and well-framed. Its aromas and flavors of lively and bright red fruit, a shading of blackberries, and an accent of oak should match it beautifully with a juicy grilled T-Bone steak. (Tasted: April 11, 2019, San Francisco, CA)
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Connoisseurs' Guide
22% Cabernet Sauvignon; 1% other. A bit of sweet oak and subtle touches of toasted herbs sit off to the side of the juicy cherries and ripe plums that are the central message of this very solid, moderately full-bodied Merlot, and the wine gets equally good marks for both its structure and very sure varietal focus. It is nominally tannic without erring to toughness and shows fine fruity length, and it is bound to be bettered by even a short stay in the cellar with the balance and build to steadily improve for another three to five years.
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Wine & Spirits
A plump and plummy merlot, this is soft and generous, the kind of warm, fruity red that will appeal to a wide range of red-wine drinkers. There’s nothing complicated about it, just pure enjoyment with most anything meaty off the grill.
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Wine Spectator
Features a savory edge to the mineral-inflected dried berry flavors, with a creamy richness. The finish offers white pepper notes that are backed by medium-grained tannins. Drink now.
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.