One of the best-kept secrets in California wine is the fact that Carneros, the coolest district in the Napa Valley, is better suited for merlot than it is for its two money crops, pinot noir and chardonnay. The cool breezes off the San Pablo Bay are perfect for the early ripening merlot grape, producing wines that are fresh, balanced and bright. This 2012 Carneros Merlot from Duckhorn offers complex layers of red and black fruits, with a savory note mid-palate and a hint of woodspice on the finish.
Duckhorn Vineyards, Carneros (Napa Valley, California) Merlot 2012
By Robert Whitley