Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot Napa Valley 2023
Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot Napa Valley 2023
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.
Tasting Notes
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Why Gifted Pour recommends it
Duckhorn released its first Merlot in 1978 and helped make the grape a Napa Valley signature, so this 2023 bottling, dressed in the 50th Anniversary label, carries a story worth telling when you hand it over. It suits the wine lover who appreciates a classic, a client or mentor marking a milestone, or hosts who like a good red on the table at dinner parties. The nose opens with red currant, raspberry and black plum, layered with rhubarb crumble, cardamom and milk chocolate. The palate is silky and refined, with fine-grained tannins carrying plum, cherry and cocoa to a bright, elegant finish. Fifteen months in French oak, 40% of it new, sits quietly behind the fruit and baking spice. Scored 94 by both James Suckling and Decanter, it feels considered rather than obvious. The recipient can open it tonight after a short decant or tuck it away for a later celebration, since it drinks well now and over the next eight to ten years.
Pairs well with
- Seared duck breast — The wine's black plum and cherry fruit and fine-grained tannins complement the richness of duck.
- Mushroom risotto — Earthy, creamy risotto sets off the wine's cocoa and baking spice notes while its bright finish keeps each bite fresh.
- Promotion or milestone dinner — The 50th Anniversary label and the wine's silky red berry and plum character make it a fitting toast to a career milestone.
Questions about this bottle
What grapes go into this Merlot?
The 2023 blends 78% Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Cabernet Franc. The fruit comes from Carneros, Calistoga, Yountville and St. Helena in Napa Valley, and the wine spends 15 months in French oak, 40% of it new.
What does it taste like?
Expect red currant, raspberry and black plum on the nose, with rhubarb crumble, cardamom and milk chocolate. The palate is silky and refined, with fine-grained tannins carrying plum, cherry and cocoa to a bright, elegant finish.
How should I serve it?
Serve it at 60 to 65°F and decant it for 30 to 45 minutes before pouring. A large Bordeaux glass gives the red fruit and baking spice room to open up.
Is it ready to drink, or should it be cellared?
It drinks well now and over the next 8 to 10 years, so the recipient can open it right away or save it for a future occasion. It is a standard 750ml bottle at 14.5% ABV.
