Though this has become an iconic wine, the beauty of this wine and many others is vintage variation, which produces subtle changes, depending on weather patterns and how the fruit is grown. This is Duckhorn’s most dense and deeply rich Merlot of the past few years, and in fact this is a Merlot dominant iteration (98% Merlot, 2% Malbec). More dark and brooding than previous vintages this one has a beautiful depth to it - deep and rich, blackberry pie, Huckleberry compote, blueberry jam, and light strawberry. The tannins and acidity mute a lot of the fruit so it’s not bright expressive fruit, but deep, rich, and almost macerated. The oak program (18 months of aging in mainly new French oak barrels) produces a definitive vanilla influence, and whereas it is noticeable, it doesn’t detract from the fruit. 4,793 cases. ORIGIN: Napa Valley. ALCOHOL: 14.5%
