Duckhorn "Three Palms Vineyard" Merlot 2020
(Napa Valley, California) - [JS 91] [WS 91]

About This Wine:
Dan Duckhorn had been inspired to make Merlot after a trip in the mid-1970s to Bordeaux, where he was impressed by the grape’s approachability in comparison to the sometimes tannic characteristics of its sister Bordeaux variety Cabernet Sauvignon. The Duckhorns rode the boom in Merlot to financial success before the turn of the century, and weathered the fallout that followed the 2004 release of Sideways. Their faith in the grape has been richly rewarded over the decades that have followed, with Three Palms leading the way, garnering Wine Spectator's Wine of the Year in 2017.

In terms of overall weather, most of the 2020 growing season was excellent. Following a relatively dry winter, budbreak started early, and the temperatures throughout spring and summer were mild and temperate. This allowed the grapes to ripen slowly, developing pure, vibrant flavors and supple, fleshy textures. In late September, harvest was impacted by the outbreak of wildfires and the arrival of hot weather. The elevated temperatures gave many vineyards a final push to ripeness as we worked to bring in the grapes. During this period, we did extensive testing to ensure quality, excluding any fruit that did not meet our standards. While our meticulous selection process resulted in a smaller 2020 crop, the wines we produced live up to the Duckhorn name, displaying beautiful aromas, soft elegant textures, lively complexity and lush flavors.

Tasting Notes: Epic, elegant and profoundly complex, this stunning wine draws you in with aromas of fresh cranberry, huckleberry, crushed rose petals, raspberry and graham crackers. On the palate, mesmerizing layers of black fig and cocoa powder mingle with the lush berry flavors, with a sophisticated note of minerality emerging on the long, resonant finish.

Varietal Composition: 98% Merlot, 2% Malbec

Aging: Aged for 18 months in 100% French oak 75% new, 25% neutral

Alcohol: 14.5%

Ratings & Reviews

91 Points - James Suckling:
"Black olives with some fresh basil and lemongrass aromas that follow through to a medium body with a juicy center palate. Savory and delicious. A little simple this year but well done for the vintage. Drink now." - Jim Gordon (November 2023)

91 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Tense with structure, this red slowly reveals itself with savory plum and dried cherry flavors, highlighted by dusky spices and anise as this builds toward broad-shouldered tannins. Best from 2025 through 2031. 4,793 cases made." - Tim Fish (November 2023)