2020 Duckhorn Vineyards The Discussion Napa Valley Red Wine
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Almost four 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 world-class Estate program, The Discussion represents the pinnacle of the Duckhorn Vineyards portfolio and the ongoing dialogue that defines great winemaking.
James Suckling
96
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Composition: 61% Cabernet Sauvignon, 38% Merlot, 1% Malbec; All lots are kept separate for the first 18 months and aged in 100% new French Oak. After 18 months, we create the blend through meticulous selection of our best estate lots which are then blended back into neutral barrels for the last 6 months of aging. This unique process creates a harmonious, fully integrated blend with plush, velvety tannins.
Winemaker Notes
Crafted from our finest blocks and barrels of Estate fruit, the 2020 vintage of The Discussion is rich, graceful, and profoundly complex. As it evolves in the glass, luxurious aromas of pomegranate, black mission fig, red currant, and rose petals emerge. On the plush palate, elegantly structured tannins add depth to the robust berry flavors, with layers of chocolate-covered blueberry and toasted hazelnut lingering throughout the long, majestic finish.
Production
In terms of overall weather, most of the 2020 growing season was excellent. Following a relatively dry winter, budbreak started early, and the temperatures throughout spring and summer were mild and temperate. This allowed the grapes to ripen slowly, developing pure, vibrant flavors and supple, fleshy textures. In late September, harvest was impacted by the outbreak of wildfires and the arrival of hot weather. The elevated temperatures gave many vineyards a final push to ripeness as we worked to bring in the grapes. During this period, we did extensive testing to ensure quality, excluding any fruit that did not meet our standards. While our meticulous selection process resulted in a smaller 2020 crop, the wines we produced live up to the Duckhorn name, displaying beautiful aromas, soft elegant textures, lively complexity and lush flavors.
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2020
Varietal
Red Blend
Appellation
Napa Valley
Acid
0.66 g/100 ml
pH
3.60
Aging
Aged a total of 24 months in barrel 18 months in new French oak followed by 6 months in neutral barrels
Alcohol %
14.5
James Suckling
96
