93 Points - Wine Enthusiast
2009 Duckhorn Vineyards The Discussion Estate Grown Napa Valley 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.
Reviews
Wine Spectator
92
Wine Enthusiast
93
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Composition: 71% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot; Cooperage: 100% French oak château-style barrels (60 gallons); Age of Barrels: 100% new
Winemaker Notes
The Discussion was blended using the very best barrels of wine from the finest blocks of our estate vineyards. While this wine is abundantly rich and flavorful, it is defined by its refinement and complexity. Aromas of mulberry, plum, leather, cassis and cocoa offer a beautiful prelude to a rich, velvety mouthfeel with fine-grained tannins. These tannins provide lovely structure, and underscore the layered sophistication of the blackberry, cherry, rose petal and red currant flavors. Elegantly integrated oak adds hints of clove, pencil shaving and roasted chestnuts, while providing length and dimension.
Production
From our first Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc blocks to our final red-varietal Estate picks, our 2009 harvest spanned more than two months. Though the 2009 growing season presented certain
challenges—from early shatter to late-season rain—a thoughtful response in the vineyards yielded smaller-than-normal crops of high-quality fruit. This response included aggressive leafing, an early thinning protocol and a heavy field sort to select only the most desirable grapes.
Other Notes
Released: April 2013
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2009
Varietal
Red Blend
Appellation
Napa Valley
Harvest Date
September 4 - October 29, 2009
Sugar
26.5° Brix
Acid
0.58 g/100 ml titratable acidity
pH
3.66
Aging
26 Months in Barrel
Fermentation
10-12 days fermentation at 80°F
Bottling Date
March 2012
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Spectator
92
Wine Enthusiast
93
Product Reviews
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Doug Wright
(Apr 5, 2013 at 7:44 PM)
Fantastic wine, I wish I had a case in my hands right now!