Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot Napa Valley Estate Grown 2005

Rating: 90/100 - As reviewed by Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine (www.cgcw.com) in the August 2010 issue. Sweet oak abounds in the caramelly, coffee-tinged nose of this outgoing opus as does plenty of concentrated black-cherry fruit, and the wine's very deep, fruit-laden flavors do not disappoint. More about balance and careful crafting than it is about out-and-out strength, the wine is as polished as it is rich and is so very easy to taste even now. That said, this is no simple gulper meant for the near term, and, instead of signaling a short life span, its finesse and fine structure ensure that it will develop for a number of years.Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine aging recommendation: Cellar for future drinking. Wine will improve with bottle aging.

11% Cabernet Sauvignon; 7% Petit Verdot; 7% Cab. Franc. Of the three Duckhorn Merlots tasted this month, this one stands just a slight bit apart from the others by dint of the suggestions of mint, heather and dried herbs that bring a different twist of complexity to its aromas. It is, however, very much in step with its kin when it comes its ripeness and very rich, cherry-like fruit, and, but for an undisguised flare of finishing heat, it would join its siblings with a two-star award.

Backordered. Due in March 19th. Reserve Yours Today! Probably the most famous and celebrated Merlot that Napa Valley produces, Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard is a true testament to the quality and character that Merlot can achieves in this ideal microclimate. A blend of 77% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Cabernet Franc 3% Petit Verdot that is aged 20 months in all new French oak barrels. Wine Enthusiast Magazine rated this 2005 94 points and said “Duckhorn’s Three Palms bottling is one of the oldest and most consistent Merlot vineyard designations in California and this is a classic example. The wine always is very tannic. But the ’05 is dry and rich and complex in mineral-laden cherries and currants, with just the right application of new oak. You can decant it now for several hours and enjoy with a dramatically charred steak, but it will develop beautifully through 2011, at least.” Limited. This item excluded from any other discounts or offers beyond the 15% case discount.

Medium ruby-red. Very ripe aromas of currant, plum, mocha, loam and chocolate. Sweet, plush and creamy, with exotic oak notes of chocolate and mocha. An immediately accessible, sweet style of cabernet with rather soft, ripe tannins. Stephen Tanzer's IWC. A Cabernet Sauvignon wine from California in USA. 2005 Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon Estate 750ml

This well-structured wine is smooth and full-bodied with a silky texture, balanced acids and ample age-worthy tannins. The aroma exudes bountiful layers of strawberry, raspberry and cherry, accented by black olive, almond, and spice. On the palate, the flavors mirror the lush and layered bouquet with abundant red fruit notes (noticeably strawberry and cherry), complemented by cedar and oak.

Wine Tasting NotesA classic Cabernet Sauvignon that is blended with Merlot to add complexity and round out the mid-palate, this is a layered, mouth-filling wine with ripe, integrated tannins and a fine-grained finish. Dark aromas of toffee, hickory, bacon, cedar and smoke are contrasted by vibrant elements of red currant and spearmint. On the palate, black currant and blueberry flavors dominate, underscored by notes of earth and oak.

Wine Tasting NotesA classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, this elegantly balanced wine combines generous fruit-forward structure with age-worthy tannins and a long, satisfying finish. From its layered aromatics to its lush palate of flavors, this wine brings together an array of red and black fruit elements, including red currant, baked plum, blackberry and sweet black cherry. Adding further depth to this core of ripe fruit are notes of vanilla, molasses, allspice, fresh herbs and black olive.