Duckhorn 2022 Napa Valley Merlot

Duckhorn Vineyards was founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976, with the first Merlot produced in 1978 after Dan developed an appreciation for the variety during a trip to Bordeaux. At a time when Napa Valley was increasingly focused on Cabernet Sauvignon, Duckhorn made Merlot a cornerstone of the winery, ultimately helping establish the grape as a serious fine-wine variety in California.

The 2022 Napa Valley Merlot draws fruit from both mountain and valley-floor vineyards, allowing Duckhorn to capture the diversity of Napa Valley in a single bottling. The vintage itself delivered concentrated fruit, supple tannins, freshness, and excellent acidity despite a challenging late-summer heat event.

Tasting Notes
Colour: Deep ruby-red with a dark, youthful core.

Nose: Ripe blackberry, black cherry, plum, and red currant mingle with floral notes, dark chocolate, licorice, and sweet baking spices. Subtle herbal and stony nuances add complexity behind the generous fruit.

Palate: Supple and polished, with juicy plum, candied black cherry, blackberry, and red licorice supported by lively acidity. Silky, refined tannins give the wine its signature smooth texture, while Cabernet Sauvignon adds enough backbone to keep the generous Merlot fruit beautifully structured.

Finish: Long and smooth, with lingering dark fruit, baking spice, subtle chocolate, herbs, and finely integrated oak.