Winemaker Notes
Crafted from both mountain and valley floor vineyards, this alluring wine embodies the rich diversity of great Napa Valley Merlot. From its velvety tannins and lively acidity to luxurious layers of plum, candied black cherry, red licorice and sweet baking spices this gracefully structured Merlot glides to a lush, lingering finish.
Blend: 76% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon,2% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A well-rounded, velvety and flavorful merlot with dark cherries, grilled bell peppers and some baking spices. Supple with a caressing texture to the medium body and melty tannins. Polished and mellow.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2021 Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot is a standup and palate-lasting wine. TASTING NOTES: Bring this wine to a lamb BBQ and pair its aromas and flavors with fragrant spices, chalky notes, tart nectarines, and oaky notes. (Tasted: May 23, 2024, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Enthusiast
Fresh mixed herbs, fresh plums and layers of well-integrated baking spices make this a pleasing and versatile Merlot from one of the producers who helped make the variety iconic in Napa Valley. Fine tannins coat the mouth while remaining silky through a long finish.
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Wine Spectator
Tightly focused but handsomely structured, with appealing cherry and red currant flavors accented by cedar and dried herbs. Drink now through 2031.
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.