Just when you think that Duckhorn can’t get any better, this vintage of their flagship wine comes along. Depth, complexity, weight, elegance, unabashed varietal character, age-worthy structure — it’s all here in what could be the best Three Palms ever. Rich cherry, menthol, tea, cassis, earth and spice aromas and flavors are so enticing now that you’ll have a hard time cellaring some. I like to hide wines like this under a bunch of heavy stuff that make it difficult to reach so that some survives into full maturity. Maybe that’s a sign of my lack of maturity, but there you go. Stunning Merlot! Contains 8% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec and 1% Petit Verdot.
Duckhorn, Napa Valley (California) Merlot 2013
By Rich Cook