2020 Duckhorn Merlot

I’ve had Duckhorn Cab plenty of times (both Napa Valley and some of their single vineyard wines, a friend of mine’s parents are Duckhorn enthusiasts), but never their Merlot. I know this is what put them on the map and Empire Wine in Albany, NY had a killer deal for the half bottles, so why not?

Body: Almost opaque deep ruby, the rim is showing an ever so slight variation and staring to show a touch of age. Body is medium plus.

Nose: PLUMS. Ripe plums at that. Black cherry, a touch of red cherry, and cocoa. Oak is showing, smooth vanilla and baking spices.

Palate: Lots of those plum and cherry notes. Vibrant and lush. Tannins are big, but integrated well. They help carry the finish, which is quite long.

I’m glad I got to try it. It’s objectively great wine and definitely behaves like their Cab Sauv, but tbh I would take Duckhorn Cab or a decent quality Bordeaux over this. I feel like those wines are much more interesting to me.

TL;DR: This is great, but I wouldn’t necessarily buy this again.