Reviews & Ratings

2017 Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot "Napa Valley"

Winery: Duckhorn Vineyards

Vintage: 2017

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Napa Valley"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 80% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot & 1% Malbec

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $56

Cases produced: unknown

KWG Score: 90.2 (based on 4 reviews)

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

Review date: August 27, 2020

Wine Review: This very dark ruby colored Merlot from Duckhorn opens with a pleasant black cherry bouquet with hints of pencil shavings and vanilla oak. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, slightly acidic and refined. The flavor profile is a black cherry and juicy plum blend with hints of oak, fine minerality and touch of spice and black pepper. The finish is dry and its tannins drift away nicely. The Panel felt this Merlot is going to be a crowd pleaser. It can certainly also be aged. With food we suggested pairing it with a Zuni café roast chicken. Enjoy – KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: 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 flavors of ripe plum, blueberry, licorice and subtle baking spice draw the wine to a long, elegant finish.

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