Duckhorn Merlot (750ml)
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Wine Type
Red Wine
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Size
750ml
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Vintage
2021
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Country
USA
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Region
California
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Sub-Region
Napa Valley
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Grape
Merlot
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Farming Method
ConventionalMost products with this label come from producers who do their best to avoid any intervention at all but it’s possible that some of the aforementioned preventative measures and additions are deemed necessary. Learn More
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ABV
14.5%
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Food Pairing
SteakPasta BologneseRoast meats
Co-founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976, Duckhorn Vineyards has spent forty years establishing itself as one of North America’s premier producers of Napa Valley wines. From its modest inaugural vintage of 800 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and 800 cases of Merlot in 1978, to its addition of Sauvignon Blanc in 1982, Duckhorn Vineyards has crafted a tradition of quality and excellence that continues today.The winery’s seven estate vineyards are located in alluvial fans of Napa Valley and the much sought after Howell Mountain slopes.
Winemaker Renee Ary works with each vineyard block separately and harvests when flavours are optimal and tannins are their softest. She approaches winemaking in an artisinal manner, by tasting and blending from close to 200 lots, separately barrel ageing each lot in oak from various cooperages. The result are wines of great finesse, personality and depth.
Tasting Notes
Plump ripe dark fruit, spice and light vanilla and toast aromas. The palate is well structured with lots of depth, medium acidity, velvety tannins and plush fruit flavours of plum, crème de cassis with violet and herbes de Provence and layers of notes caramel and vanilla. Smooth and round on the palate with a long finish. This premium Merlot would make a delicious paring with filet mignon and mushroom duxelles, garlic crusted rack of lamb or blue cheeses.
Method
The Napa Valley Merlot is a complex blend of several individual vineyard lots, incorporating fruit from Duckhorn’s Estate Vineyards and from independent growers throughout the Napa Valley. The final wine is a blend of 88% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec and ages for 16 months in French oak barrels, 25% new and 75% second fill.
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