Carneros is the cool end of Napa Valley and is known more for Pinot Noir, but there are some fine examples of other reds, and this is one of them. Maybe more than any other California region, Carneros imparts specific earthy minerality as its calling card. This wine shows it beautifully along with deep cherry and spice aromatics that blow out of the glass. It’s dry, full flavored and rich and long, with flavors that bloom in the long finish. This contains 2% Cabernet Sauvignon.
Duckhorn Vineyards, Carneros (Napa Valley, California) Merlot 2010
By Rich Cook