93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
2008 Duckhorn Vineyards The Discussion Red Wine
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Over three decades ago, before crafting their first vintage, the Duckhorns and their winemaker had a passionate discussion at the kitchen table. Though they debated making a cuvée, they chose to focus on varietal wines. Even so, Duckhorn Vineyards has always remained fascinated by the artful blend of varietals from diverse Napa Valley vineyards. Embodying the depth and complexity of a worldclass Estate program, The Discussion represents the pinnacle of the Duckhorn Vineyards portfolio and the ongoing dialogue that defines great winemaking.
Wine Spectator
91
Wine Enthusiast
93
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Composition: 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 4% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc; Cooperage: 100% French oak château-style barrels (60 gallons); Age of Barrels: 100% new
Winemaker Notes
As is always the case, we blended The Discussion using the very best barrels of wine from the finest blocks of our estate vineyards in 2008. These wines weren’t chosen for their overt power—they were selected for their complexity and completeness, with the goal of creating a balanced and harmonious blend. While there is abundant, rich upfront fruit in the aromas and on the palate, what makes this wine so noteworthy is its layered sophistication. Throughout the drinking experience, elements of black currant, spicy plum, cherry cola and chocolate-covered raspberries evolve in the glass, mingling with appealing black licorice, ginger, allspice and coconut notes.
Production
Though the 2008 growing season presented certain challenges-from early frosts to drought conditions-a meticulous approach to viticulture and sorting yielded small crops with good concentration, highlighting soft, appealing tannins for our red varietals and bright acidity for our white grapes. A long, moderately cool summer led to a harvest that commenced in mid-August and concluded in early November. This relatively relaxed pace allowed us to pick in numerous passes to ensure quality, often focusing on individual rows or a single side of the vines.
Other Notes
Released: April 2012
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2008
Varietal
Red Blend
Appellation
Napa Valley
Harvest Date
September 7 - October 1, 2008
Sugar
27.8° Brix
Acid
0.58 g/100 ml titratable acidity
pH
3.56
Aging
26 Months in Barrel
Fermentation
10-12 days fermentation at 80°F
Bottling Date
March 2011
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Spectator
91
Wine Enthusiast
93
