13% Cabernet Sauvignon; 2% Cab. Franc; 1% Petit Verdot. Of the three Duckhorn Merlot's under review, this one is easily the preferred bottling. From its very deep, impressively concentrated aromas of cherries and sweet oak to its rich and nervy young flavors, it is convincingly keyed on varietal fruit that buffers its nominal tannins and is in all ways a better-balanced and more complete package than either of its mates. Give it five years in the cellar and then match it up with long-simmered mea...

Our Estate Grown Merlot represents over 20 years of research and experience with Napa Valley Merlot. From our first vintage in 1978, we knew that we were in uncharted territory-one of a few who had seriously considered producing a varietal Merlot. Our estate vineyards are located in the best alluvial fans of the Napa Valley starting with the Selby Creek fan in the north, moving to Ritchie Creek in St. Helena, and finishing with the Rector Creek fan in Yountville. The shallow topsoil and high wate...