2017 & 2019 Duckhorn "Three Palms Vineyard" Napa Valley Merlot

“Powerful, rich and complex, with a refined mix of currant, dark cherry and plum tart flavors backed by suave, medium-grained tannins. Well-defined slate and loamy notes stretch out nicely on the finish, with black olive hints. *Top 100 Wines of 2020, Highly Recommended* (KM)” (11/2020)

“Taking its accustomed place among the very best Merlots of the vintage, Duckhorn’s iconic Three Palms bottling is, once again, a near-succulent effort that is generously appointed with beautifully focused, optimally ripened, black cherries, but deep fruit is only one part of its appeal, and its layered, sweet oak and loamy soil complexities along with its impeccable structure and balance impart a degree of seriousness that separates it from the pack.” (10/2020)

“The 2017 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot is a blend of 91% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot, which was aged aged 18 months in 100% French oak (75% new). It opens to inviting aromas of dark plums, blackberry, dark cherries along with lavender and baking spices. This possesses a medium-plus body with a plush core that is laced with flavors of black and red fruits, along with sweet spice and earthy tones. This glides effortlessly across the palate with a gorgeous round texture that is framed by medium-plus tannins and a long dry finish. It is a wonderful wine to approach early in its youth, but it should also benefit from some short-term cellaring and gain complexity over the next decade. (MD)” (04/2020)

“This wine from a famous vineyard delivers brightly layered red fruit, crushed rock and dried herb. Powerful intensity marks the palate, with dense, grippy tannins and well-integrated oak providing breadth and weight. *Cellar Selection* (VB)” (03/2021)

“The three palms at this vineyard line the valley floor at a seam of rocks between St. Helena and Calistoga. That rocky soil has proven to be a great medium for the roots of merlot vines, allowing them to ripen cool fruit in the midst of a hot place. This 2017 is luscious, layering high tones of strawberries with darker depths of black cherries and herbs. Its richness would be delicious with rare filet mignon.” (10/2020)

“I like the savory nose here, with notes of coffee, spiced plum, overturned earth and bark. Full-bodied with fine, silky tannins. Expressive, but focused, with really clean and clear dark fruit blending nicely with ground spice and grilled herbs. Totally delicious. This will age very nicely.” (09/2022)

“Notable for the structure and polish, this red offers handsome red and black currant flavors framed by black olive, sweet tobacco and spice tones that gather tension toward medium-grained tannins. Drink now through 2030. (TF)” (10/2022)

“The 2019 Merlot Three Palms Vineyard is solid and a terrific expression of Merlot. Cassis, black cherries, graphite, scorched earth, and lead pencil notes all define the nose, and it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a supple, elegant mouthfeel, and a good finish.” (02/2023)