Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot 2021

Cellar for up to 10 years. Decant for two hours before serving. In 2017 Duckhorn was named one of the world’s top wineries by the prestigious Wine & Spirits magazine, making this the seventh time the winery has claimed its place on the list. This stellar reputation is the result of years of experience of experimenting and working with Bordeaux varietals in Napa since the winery’s very first vintage in 1978. Duckhorn has always had a special affinity with Merlot, being among the first to pioneering single varietals and Merlot-dominant blends in the region. This is a stunning example of the Duckhorn style, showcasing the rich, soft fruit character of the varietal alongside subtle spiced hints from the 16 months of ageing in a mixture of new and used oak barrels. Duckhorn sources the fruit from several different vineyard lots in Napa to create a wonderfully complex composition which provides a detailed study of the region’s varied terroir. The nose offers luxurious aromas of crushed black cherries and plums along with undertones of cedar, sweet tobacco and orange peel. On the palate these evolve into hints of pencil lead, baking spice, raspberries and plum jam which linger on the tongue. The firm tannins are complemented by a smooth, rounded mouthfeel and gentle freshness, promising great longevity and potential to evolve beautifully in the bottle.

Price: £46.69 from 8wines UK