Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot Napa Valley 2023

$54.99 USD ~~$59.99~~

Size

750 ML 375 ML 3 Liter

Product variants

WARNING: Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol

The wine that built Duckhorn's name, in its 50th Anniversary label. The 2023 Napa Valley Merlot is silky and refined, with red currant, black plum and baking spice over fine-grained tannins.

Duckhorn Vineyards released its first Merlot in 1978 and helped make the grape a Napa Valley signature. The 2023 draws on Carneros, Calistoga, Yountville and St. Helena fruit, blending 78% Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc, and spends 15 months in French oak (40% new). Red currant, raspberry and black plum meet notes of rhubarb crumble, cardamom and milk chocolate, and the palate carries plum, cherry and cocoa to a bright, elegant finish. Scored 94 by James Suckling and Decanter. Offered in 375ml, 750ml and 3-liter bottles. 14.5% ABV.

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Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep ruby-purple.

Nose: Red currant, raspberry, black plum and baking spice with rhubarb crumble, cardamom and milk chocolate.

Palate: Silky and refined, with fine-grained tannins carrying plum, cherry and cocoa.

Finish: Bright and elegant.

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Bottle details

Type	Merlot
Brand	Duckhorn
Producer	Duckhorn Vineyards
Origin	Napa Valley, United States
Strength	14.5% ABV (29 proof)
Made from	Merlot blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc
Cask	French oak

Why Liquor Geeks recommends it

This is the wine that built Duckhorn's name, here in its 50th Anniversary label. Duckhorn Vineyards released its first Merlot in 1978 and helped make the grape a Napa Valley signature, and the 2023 shows why that reputation lasted. Fruit from Carneros, Calistoga, Yountville and St. Helena goes into a blend of 78% Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc, aged 15 months in French oak, 40% of it new. Expect red currant, raspberry and black plum on the nose, with rhubarb crumble, cardamom and milk chocolate behind them. The palate is silky, with plum, cherry and cocoa over fine-grained tannins and a bright, elegant finish. It suits anyone who wants to understand what Napa Merlot can be, and it gives collectors a reason to hold a few bottles, since it drinks well now and over the next 8 to 10 years. We carry it because it is a reference point: polished and generous, and scored 94 by both James Suckling and Decanter.

Pairs well with

Seared duck breast — The wine's black plum and cherry fruit mirrors the richness of duck, while its fine-grained tannins keep each bite fresh.
Mushroom risotto — Earthy mushrooms and creamy rice pick up the cocoa and baking spice notes on the silky palate.
Anniversary dinner celebration — A 50th Anniversary label with a bright, elegant finish of red berries and chocolate suits a milestone meal.

Questions about this bottle

What grapes go into the 2023 Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot?

It is a blend of 78% Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. The fruit comes from Carneros, Calistoga, Yountville and St. Helena within Napa Valley.

How is this Merlot aged?

The wine spends 15 months in French oak, 40% of it new. That oak contributes to the baking spice, cardamom and cocoa notes layered over the red currant, plum and cherry fruit.

Should I decant it, and how should I serve it?

Yes. Decant it for 30 to 45 minutes, then serve it at 60 to 65°F in a large Bordeaux glass so the aromatics of raspberry, black plum and milk chocolate have room to open up.

Is it a good bottle to gift or cellar?

It makes a thoughtful gift. It wears Duckhorn's 50th Anniversary label, comes from the winery that released its first Merlot in 1978, and scored 94 from James Suckling and Decanter. It drinks well now and over the next 8 to 10 years.