Duckhorn Vineyards produces a roster of top-tier Napa Valley wines, but its roots are anchored deep in Merlot. When the winery was established in the late 1970’s, many Napa Valley properties were using Merlot as a component in blends. A great fan of Merlot since traveling through St. Emilion and Pomerol, Dan Duckhorn felt that this elegant varietal was under-appreciated in North America: The softness, the elegance, the texture. It was Duckhorn who pursued Merlot’s potential as a stand-alone varietal in California.

The final blend combines 82% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, 0.4% Petit Verdot and 0.2% Malbec aged 15 months in French oak (40% new).  With temperate weather throughout fall, each block was picked at optimal ripeness, yielding exceptionally juicy and polished red wines, with plush, well-rounded tannins, and lovely overall structure.

A classic expression of Napa Valley Merlot, this wine offers alluring aromas of lush cherry, raspberry, cocoa and freshly baked pie crust. The cherry and raspberry notes are echoed on the silky palate, where fine-grained tannins and flavours of ripe plum, blueberry, liquorice and subtle baking spice draw the wine to a long, elegant finish.

“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 approachability. 80% merlot, 17% cabernet franc, 2% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. Drink now.”
93 points, James Suckling, February 2023

“This lighter-tasting, vibrant style of Merlot is refreshing to sip. Fresh raspberries and red cherries waft up from the glass before vivid, red fruit flavors hit the palate, freshened by good fruit acidity and light tannins.”
90 points, Jim Gordon, Wine Enthusiast, September 2023

“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.”
90 points, Tim Fish, Wine Spectator, November 2023