Duckhorn 2017 Merlot, Napa Valley

Not just an entrepreneur but a true visionary, Dan Duckhorn was the first Napa winemaker to see the potential for Merlot as not just something to blend with Cabernet but as the primary grape in a great Napa Valley wine. He founded his winery on that premise and the rest is history. No other Merlot from California has achieved the success, the accolades or the following that Duckhorn enjoys. The wines are always highly allocated and snapped up by legions of loving admirers.

The 2017 is their 40th Anniversary release, a blend of 80% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 0.5% Malbec aged in 100% French oak- 40% new.

Wine Review Online scored this 92 points saying "This wine is an empire builder if ever there was one.  As Duckhorn celebrates their 40th harvest with the 2017 vintage, it's worth noting again that they've stuck with the date that they came to the dance with through years of ups and downs.  If you're a true fan of Merlot, you know this wine as a domestic benchmark bottling, and this bottling doesn't stray.  Classic black and red fruit character gets a sturdy dose of oak spice that enhances the fruit and extends the finish.  I sense a bit of other Bordeaux varieties in the mix, but again, only to enhance the clear Merlot character that shines through.  A tip of the hat!"

James Suckling scored this 92 points saying "A nicely crafted 2017 red with berries, plums and hints of dark chocolate on the nose and palate. Medium body, creamy tannins and a savory finish. Pretty fruit at the end. Drink or hold."

Wine Enthusiast Magazine scored this 90 points saying "With dark fruit at its core, this wine offers thick, concentrated power alongside accents of sage and clove. The fruit is black cherry and plum, rich enough to be jammy, with plenty of support from toasted oak and baking spice nuances."