90 Points - Wine Spectator
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2013 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot
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Our Napa Valley Merlot is a complex blend of several individual vineyard lots, incorporating fruit from our estate vineyards and from top independent growers throughout the Napa Valley. The final wine is a rich and cohesive expression of the entire Napa Valley, reflecting the varied microclimates and soils of this unique appellation.
Wine Spectator
90
Wine Review Online
94
Connoisseurs' Guide
91
Wine & Spirits
90
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Content: 88% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc; Cooperage: 100% French Oak Château-style Barrels (60 Gallons); Age of Barrels: 25% new, 75% second vintage
Winemaker Notes
This gorgeous wine displays intense aromas of ripe cherry, followed by more nuanced elements of cedar, sweet spices, orange peel and cigar box. On the palate, layers of black raspberry and spiced plum mingle with more savory notes of nutmeg and pencil lead. With firm, well-integrated tannins that extend the finish, this beautifully structured Merlot also promises great ageability.
Production
The 2013 harvest was early, even and excellent with all of our Estate fruit in the winery by October 10th. A warm dry spring brought an early bud break and created ideal conditions for flowering and fruit set. In the weeks after Labor Day, a moderate heat event followed by a period of perfect weather created a dream scenario for end-of-season ripening. Rain was not a factor, and for the second vintage in a row, the quality of the grapes was exceptional throughout Napa Valley.
Other Notes
Released: March 2016
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2013
Varietal
Merlot
Appellation
Napa Valley
Harvest Date
September 6 — October 10, 2013
Sugar
26.4° Brix
Acid
0.57 g/100 ml titratable acidity
pH
3.59
Aging
15 Months in Barrel
Bottling Date
May 2015
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Spectator
90
Wine Review Online
94
Connoisseurs' Guide
91
Wine & Spirits
90
