Winemaker Notes
The exceptional 2019 growing season produced a fascinating and elegantly full-bodied expression of Merlot at the famed Three Palms Vineyard. Luxurious aromas of black plum, boysenberry, and dark chocolate leap from the glass, followed by hints of sweet molasses and vanilla bean. On the palate, firm tannins and undercurrents of energetic acidity add brightness and poise to lush dark berry flavors, while promising a long life ahead.
Blend: 92% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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Connoisseurs' Guide
6% Cabernet Sauvignon; 1% Malbec; 1% Cabernet Franc. Yet again finding a familiar place at the head of the Duckhorn class of 2019, this year’s Three Palms Vineyard Merlot is a beautifully crafted wine of tremendous richness and depth. Although an intense and wonderfully expressive effort now whose polished, age-worthy tannins are countered by a wealth of extremely longlasting fruit, it has the all of the pieces in place to evolve famously and, when carefully cellared, is guaranteed to pay big dividends upon reaching its tenth anniversary.
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James Suckling
I like the savory nose here, with notes of coffee, spiced plum, overturned earth and bark. Full-bodied with fine, silky tannins. Expressive, but focused, with really clean and clear dark fruit blending nicely with ground spice and grilled herbs. Totally delicious. This will age very nicely.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2019 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot is powerful yet elegant, and it stays long on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine shines with aromas and flavors of black fruit, licorice, earth, and oak. Enjoy with roast game birds. (Tasted: May 1, 2022, San Francisco, CA)
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep cedar, loam and mocha notes frame black cherries and plums on the nose of the 2019 Merlot Three Palms Vineyard. It's full-bodied and moderately rich, with an open-knit texture, ripe tannins and a slightly oaky finish. Approachable now, it should drink well for up to a decade, but I would be hesitant to expect much more. Best After 2023
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Merlot Three Palms Vineyard is solid and a terrific expression of Merlot. Cassis, black cherries, graphite, scorched earth, and lead pencil notes all define the nose, and it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a supple, elegant mouthfeel, and a good finish.
With generous fruit and supple tannins, Merlot is made in a range of styles from everyday-drinking to world-renowned and age-worthy. Merlot is the dominant variety in the wines from Bordeaux’s Right Bank regions of St. Emilion and Pomerol, where it is often blended with Cabernet Franc to spectacular result. Merlot also frequently shines on its own, particularly in California’s Napa Valley. Somm Secret—As much as Miles derided the variety in the 2004 film, Sideways, his prized 1961 Château Cheval Blanc is actually a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.
One of Napa Valley’s oldest wine growing subregions but last to gain appellation status, Calistoga occupies the northernmost section of the valley. Beginning at the foot of Mount St. Helena, its vineyards stretch over steep canyons and roll out onto the valley floor. The soils in Calistoga are volcanic, which means they are heavy in minerals, low in organic matter and allow good drainage for vine roots, creating less green growth and more concentration of flavor within the grape berries.
Summer days are very hot but most nights cool down with moist ocean breezes sneaking in over the Mayacamas Mountains or from Knights Valley to its northwest.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the area’s star variety with Zinfandel coming in a strong second, though the latter commands far less price per tonnage so continues to be outshined by Cabernet in vineyard acreage, save for some important exceptions.