Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot 2021
The Duckhorn Portfolio, Inc. · Duckhorn Vineyards, St. Helena, Napa Valley, California, USA
Duckhorn didn’t just survive the “Sideways effect” — they thrived through it, because their Merlot was always too good to be dismissed. The 2021 vintage is a textbook example of why Napa Merlot deserves its place at the table: lush and approachable, but with enough Cabernet Sauvignon in the blend (22%) to provide structure and aging potential. This is the bottle that changes minds about Merlot.
Kit Aromas
Nose
Dark cherry, plum compote, baking spice, hint of bell pepper, violets
Palate
Candied black cherry, plum, red licorice, sweet baking spices, velvety tannins, lively acidity
Finish
Lush and lingering with integrated oak and soft fruit
- Varietal
- Merlot
- Blend
- 76% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc
Cocktail Suggestion
Cocktail — Duckhorn Sangria: 1 bottle Duckhorn Merlot · 2 oz brandy · 1 oz Cointreau · Sliced plums, cherries, and orange · 3 oz sparkling water. Combine, chill 3 hours, serve over ice.
Food Pairing
Pair with: Herb-crusted rack of lamb with a red wine reduction — a classic pairing that lets the Merlot shine.
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