2021 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot Rector Creek Vineyard
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Rector Creek Vineyard is located north of the town of Yountville along the Silverado Trail. A unique climate featuring a cooling afternoon breeze combined with Rector Creek’s rocky alluvial soils creates excellent growing conditions for the vines. As a result, Rector Creek produces an elegant expression of Merlot with attractive blueberry and allspice aromatics, velvety structure and refined character highlighting classic notes of spicy plum.
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Composition: 100% estate fruit - 98% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon
Winemaker Notes
Deep, dark and luscious, this wine reveals concentrated aromas of blackberry, violet, basil, and cocoa powder. Beautifully full-bodied, with supple tannins and a robust, age-worthy structure, the palate offers flavors of cassis, dark chocolate and Mission figs that build to an impeccably balanced 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
Vineyard Designation
Rector Creek Vineyard
Acid
0.60 g/100 ml
pH
3.64
Aging
Aged 18 months in 100% French oak 75% new, 25% neutral
Alcohol %
14.5