Duckhorn offers such a variety of styles in their Merlot program that there is definitely something to please everyone. This vintage of Atlas Peak shows grippy mountain tannins and quite a bit of oak at present, with dark cherry and blackberry fruit a bit subdued. Brown spices and a meaty note round things out. This needs a lot of air time, so plan ahead.
Duckhorn, Atlas Peak (Napa Valley, California) Merlot 2011
By Rich Cook