Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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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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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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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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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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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.
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.