2023 Duckhorn Napa Valley Merlot earned 94 pts from James Suckling and 92 pts from Michael Cervin. Critics praised its plum, blackberry and blue-fruit flavors, bright acidity, polished tannins, balance, elegance and long finish.
Rich and full-bodied with layers of black currant, dark cherry, toffee, caramel and warm baking spice. Toasty oak and firm tannins frame a long, velvety finish, making this a bold, age-worthy Merlot with impressive depth and elegance.
Dark and thick in the glass, this top-shelf Merlot offers aromas of toasted pecan, roasted cocoa nibs and smoky oak on the nose. The palate is wrapped in tight tannins that envelop the blackberry sauce and dark-chocolate flavors.