2021 Duckhorn Vineyards Carneros Napa Valley Merlot
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After falling in love with Merlot during a visit to Bordeaux, Dan Duckhorn started producing Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot in 1978. In the years since, grapes from the Napa portion of Carneros have played a pivotal role in our Napa Valley Merlot program. Influenced by the cooling effect of the Pacific Ocean, Carneros is ideally suited for growing exceptional Merlot, yielding a wine with beautiful structure, velvety texture and lovely layers of plum and mulberry.
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Composition: 100% Merlot
Winemaker Notes
With vibrant aromas of pomegranate, rhubarb and sage, this alluring wine embodies the cool-climate elegance of great Carneros Merlot. On the palate, dusty, fine-grained tannins accentuate juicy black raspberry and cranberry flavors with hints of sweet baking spices emerging on the long, satisfying finish.
Production
Despite an unusually dry winter and warm spring, budbreak was delayed due to light rain in March. The overall lack of rainfall led to light clusters and small berries, which resulted in reduced yields and great concentration. Harvest began on August 5th with Semillon, and early heat generated a fast and furious first few weeks of picking. A much-needed mid-September cool-down allowed for sugars to realign with flavor development. Moderate temperatures continued throughout the rest of the season, providing additional hangtime for the grapes. Our last red grapes were harvested before the rains in late October, resulting in beautiful wines that are dense, pure and polished.
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2021
Varietal
Merlot
Appellation
Napa Valley
Acid
0.62 g/100 ml
pH
3.56
Aging
Aged 16 months in 100% French oak 50% new, 50% neutral
Alcohol %
14.5