Reviews & Ratings

2018 Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot "Napa Valley"

Winery: Duckhorn Vineyards

Vintage: 2018

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Napa Valley"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 82% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, 0.4% Petit Verdot & 0.2% Malbec

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $56

Cases produced: 47,207

KWG Score: 90 (based on 2 reviews)

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

Review date: August 22, 2021

Wine Review: This very dark ruby colored Merlot from Duckhorn opens with a rose petal bouquet with hints of cola, black raspberry, and Maraschino cherry. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, nicely balanced, soft, and smooth. The flavor profile is ripe black cherry and mocha blend with notes of supple oak. We also detected some hints of black plum and white pepper mixed in. The finish is dry and its fine tannins drift away nicely. The Panel would pair this crowd-pleasing Merlot with a filet mignon. Enjoy – KWGTP

Winemaker Notes: From its tempting aromas of ripe cherry and black raspberry to its sweet, dusty tannins and supple texture, this a lush and expansive expression of Napa Valley Merlot. Luxurious flavors of black plum, rhubarb crumble and chocolate-covered raspberry mingle with hints of graphite and clove on the long, vibrant finish.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Duckhorn 2018 Napa Valley Merlot.