Reviews & Ratings

2011 Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot "Three Palms Vineyard"

Winery: Duckhorn Vineyards

Vintage: 2011

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Three Palms Vineyard"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 87% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon & 4% Cabernet Franc

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $95

Cases produced: 3,091

KWG Score: 90.5 (based on 4 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good+ (91)

Review date: March 30, 2014

Wine Review: This ruby colored Napa Merlot opens with an inviting cherry cola like bouquet with hints of blueberry. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, well balanced and smooth. The flavor profile is a pleasant black cherry with hints of gentle oak, pomegranate, and a touch of black pepper. The finish is dry and its moderate tannins build up and linger for quite some time for a Merlot. I would decant this Merlot in the near term and serve it with a ribeye steak with garlic mashed potatoes and steamed red beets. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: A classically nuanced expression of Three Palms Vineyard, this wine combines beautiful layers of red currant, pomegranate, blackberry and Santa Rosa plum with sophisticated hints of star anise, leather, sage and cedar. On the palate, fine talc-like tannins add a velvety elegance, supporting the fruit and carrying the wine to a long, pleasurable finish.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Duckhorn 2011 Three Palms Merlot.