The gorgeous nose of this wine immediately evokes thoughts of ripe black cherry and juicy wild blueberry. As it opens up, tantalizing layers of espresso, vanilla, star anise, cocoa powder and sweet baking spices are revealed. On the bright, juicy palate, layers of brambly fruit and pomegranate mingle with subtle savory accents and hints of bittersweet chocolate and cardamom. The tannin's are silky and supple, adding plushness and weight to the luxurious flavors that build in density on the mid-palate, before gliding to a long, resonant finish.\n \n Producer Information\n \n Duckhorn Vineyards has established itself over a number of decades as one of Napa Valley's most prestigious wineries. Unlike most Napa wineries, it is most famous for its Merlot, which founders Dan and Margaret Duckhorn saw as more than just a blending variety. Duckhorn makes a wide range of wines, from varietal and blended wines focusing on Merlot to wines made from other classic California varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. The estate was founded near St Helena in 1976. The first vintage, in 1978, consisted of 800 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and 800 of Merlot. The Duckhorns came to appreciate Merlot for its approachability, smooth texture, and youthful drinkability, and today it forms the basis of the winery's flagship wines. In 2015, Duckhorn acquired the Three Palms vineyard – a site considered to be one of the best for Merlot in California. Duckhorn had purchased fruit from this vineyard since 1978 and, between 2011 and 2015, had been granted exclusive access to its fruit. Altogether, Duckhorn makes wines from more than 400 hectares (1000 acres) of estate vineyards, as well as bringing in fruit from independent growers. This includes sites in Howell Mountain, Yountville, Anderson Valley and the Russian River Valley. The collection is made up of several ranges including Paraduxx, Decoy, Goldeneye and Migration. Most recently Duckhorn has expanded into Washington with their Canvasback range. The inaugural vintage for this label was a 2012 Red Mountain AVA Cabernet Sauvignon. In 2016 Duckhorn Vineyards, along with its five additional wine brands, was sold to San Francisco-based private equity firm, TSG Consumer Partners.
