Winemaker Notes
Embodying the alluring beauty of great Napa Valley Merlot, this wine reveals vibrant aromas of red currant, ripe plum, black raspberry, cherry, and sweet baking spices, with hints of tea leaves and cocoa. The palate is rich and luxurious, with silky tannins and flavors of ripe red berries, pie crust, and fig compote gliding to a bright, elegant finish.
Blend: 80% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A juicy and fruity Merlot blend with plum, chocolate and hazelnut aromas and flavors. Full and layered with fleshy tannins and a flavorful finish. Velvety texture. Lovely approach ability.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
MY PUBLISHED NOTES: COMMENTARY: The 2020 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot is elegant yet persistent on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine offers aromas and flavors of red and black fruits, sagebrush, and hints of licorice and oak. Enjoy it with Instant Pot chicken with savory herbs. (Tasted: March 23, 2023, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Spectator
Well-knit, if rather taut for the moment, this red offers sturdy black cherry, dried herb and cedar flavors as it gathers tension toward firm tannins. Best from 2024 through 2030. 53,200 cases made.
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.