Description

Duckhorn Vineyards 50th Anniversary Napa Valley Merlot

Duckhorn Vineyards was founded in 1976 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, becoming one of Napa Valley’s first 40 wineries. Guided by founding winemaker Tom Rinaldi, the winery released its debut Napa Valley Merlot in 1978, helping establish Merlot as a serious varietal in North America. Over the following decades, Duckhorn expanded into Sauvignon Blanc, Howell Mountain appellation wines, and Chardonnay, while building an Estate House and Tasting Room in St. Helena that became a benchmark for wine country hospitality. Key acquisitions, including Three Palms Vineyard, widely regarded as North America’s finest Merlot vineyard, cemented Duckhorn’s reputation for exceptional fruit sourcing.

Renée Ary joined the winery in 2003 and became its fourth winemaker in 2014, continuing a legacy of acclaim that included the 2014 Napa Valley Merlot Three Palms Vineyard being named Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine of the Year in 2017. Now marking over 50 years in Napa Valley, Duckhorn has grown its Estate vineyard program to nearly 300 acres across five sub-appellations

Inspired after a visit to Bordeaux, Dan Duckhorn produced the first vintage of Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot in 1978. This release marks the winery’s 50th anniversary, highlighting estate vineyards and top sites across the valley’s many appellations. The blend is built primarily on Merlot, with Cabernet Sauvignon added for depth and structure and small additions of Malbec and Cabernet Franc rounding out the final wine. The result is a Merlot with signature flavors of black cherry, plum, and spice, aged 15 months in French oak.

Varietal composition: 78% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc

Duckhorn Vineyards 50th Anniversary Napa Valley Merlot Notes to Your Senses:

• APPEARANCE: Deep ruby red, typical of a Napa Valley Merlot with this level of structure
• AROMA: Vibrant red currant, raspberry, and black plum, layered with baking spices, rhubarb crumble, cardamom, and milk chocolate
• TASTE: Silky and refined on the palate, with fine-grained tannins carrying layers of plum, cherry, and cocoa powder
• FINISH: Bright and elegant, showing balance and graceful structure
• ABV: 14.5%