Duckhorn Napa Valley Estate Merlot 2004

I'm usually a $12-$20 bottle guy, however, on one occasion (my 30th Bday) I did splurged and bought this awesome 2004 Duckhorn Merlot. It left was such a memorable, lasting flavor.

June 2009

Rating: 93/100 - As reviewed by Vinfolio in Issue 111 Blended with 5% Cabernet Franc; the wine utilizes the core of the estate portfolio (Rector, Patzimaro, Monitor Ledge and Candlestick) and sees nothing but luxurious new French oak for 20 months. Possesses a beautiful nose showing cassis and bitter chocolate aromas. The palate is boldly textured, with chocolate and coffee intermingled with dark fruits (berry, and currant) and a hint of dried herbs on the finish.

Our Estate Grown Merlot represents over 20 years of research and experience with Napa Valley Merlot. From our first vintage in 1978, we knew that we were in uncharted territory-one of a few who had seriously considered producing a varietal Merlot. Our estate vineyards are located in the best alluvial fans of the Napa Valley starting with the Selby Creek fan in the north, moving to Ritchie Creek in St. Helena, and finishing with the Rector Creek fan in Yountville. The shallow topsoil and high water drainage of the alluvial soils force the vine to send roots deep in search of water. The rocks retain read more...the day's heat bringing relief to the vine during the cold spring mornings and foggy summer nights. The grapes remain small and the leaf canopy restrained. Our Estate Grown Merlot is produced from the finest fruit, and is the pride of our Merlot portfolio. Blend: 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc This is a well-balanced wine with medium weight, beautiful texture, bright acid, and integrated, supple tannins. The aroma is elegant, with elements of earth, black cherry, vanilla and clove, accompanied by a slightly meaty character. On the palate, the wine is layered with rich fruit flavors, most notably blueberry, blackberry, and plum, and accented by subtle notes of lavender and sage.    (hide)

A great wine typical of Duckhorn Vineyards. Low acidity, smooth quality help highlight most foods, but goes especially well with steak.

July 2007

Complex, rich and creamy, with well-defined red currant and black cherry fruit that's shaded by mocha- and vanilla-laced oak. Finishes with chewy tannins and good length. May benefit from short-term cellaring. Drink now through 2011. 25,135 cases made.

October 2009

The ripe fruits of summer: strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, plum and black cherry are captured in the aroma and flavors of this wine. Layers of complexity are added with notes of vanilla, toasted oak, coffee, caramel and bittersweet chocolate. This wine is well-balanced, with soft tannins and rich fruit that make it approachable now; but it will continue to develop for several years.