WINE REVIEW: Duckhorn Vineyards 2018 Merlot, Napa Valley, CA ($48)

by Andrew Chalk

Duckhorn is one of the best known Merlot producers in California. Before you accept the Sideways trope to hate merlot remember, Miles stole from his mother. In contrast to such perfidy Duckhorn merlots exude the grape, the sun, and the soil with absolute integrity.

TASTING NOTES

Appearance: Ruby color with opaque center and translucent rim.

Nose: Raspberry fruit, long smoky notes, oak, black pepper, cedar wood;

Palate: The forward raspberry fruit is wrapped in compote flavors. Eventually, at the bottom of the fruit one discovers a tannic layer holding the whole together.

Sample