Synopsis, Our Opinion: A smooth, soft and easy drinking California Merlot.
Producer/Winery: Duckhorn Wine Company, Duckhorn Vineyards; Hopland, California.
Grape Variety: Merlot.
Geographic Appellation, Region, Country: Napa Valley, California.
Vintage: 2017
Price: $50.00 (with a wine dinner discount)
Purchased From: Undercurrent Restaurant; Greensboro, North Carolina.
Paired With: (Third Course:) Duck “Porchetta”, fennel risotto galette, plum mostarda, smoked hazelnut- sage pesto.
Tasting:
-
Note: Last Spring the Undercurrent Restaurant presented a Duckhorn Vineyards virtual wine dinner that included three wines and a three course dinner. The dinner was one of the best wine pairing events we have ever had. Although the menu didn’t look impressive, every item was unique and could only be described as a work of culinary art. The chef really hit it our of the park with this dinner!!! Following is our review of the Duckhorn Vineyards wine served with the third course.
Opened 30-minutes before drinking. Clear ruby color with the same color rim. Rich blackberry, cherry and vanilla aromas with hints of cedar shavings. Smooth entry, slightly tart and spicy mouthfeel, medium body and a 100-grit texture. Overflowing with blackberry, cherry and ripe plum fruit flavors with chocolate and vanilla in the background. Only medium acidity with very fine grained tannins that showed their grip in the long, dry, and slightly bitter fruit finish. WOW, nice California Merlot, flavorful, a hint of crunch to the tannins and just enough acidity to keep it fresh. It was good paired with the food and pleasant sipping without food, but at a Napa price point. In the end we enjoyed it and called it a smooth, soft and easy drinking California Merlot.
Photo from Duckhorn Vineyards.
See our reviews of other Duckhorn Vineyards wines.
Alcohol Content: 14.5%
Closure: Screw Cap.
UPC Code: 6 69576 01927 6
Imported by: Not applicable.