Three Palms Vineyard, at the northern (warmer) end of the Napa Vallley, near Calistoga, is the vineyard that put Duckhorn, and Napa Valley Merlot for that matter, on the map. This vintage is the 28th consecutive Three Palms Merlot from Duckhorn, which obtained exclusive rights to the vineyard in 2011. The 2010 is deeply colored, scented with red fruits and violets. On the palate the wine is richly layered, with fine, supple tannins and a complex palate of red- and blue-fruit flavors. It is an exquisite wine that can be drunk now, although it would benefit from an additional five to seven years in the cellar.
Duckhorn Vineyards, Napa Valley (California) Merlot 2010
By Robert Whitley