Duckhorn Napa Merlot 2004 ($$$) is, in the French tradition, 85% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. It was an early harvest, due to a natural growth of the "buds", not a forced harvest due to climate. The wine comes from a variety of Duckhorn-owned and independent vineyards, showcasing the diversity of the Napa Valley region.
The nose is of green olives, cooking herbs, and oak. Fruit dominates this wine -- blackberry and black cherry, while it is rounded out by clove and black pepper. The tannins add to a nice feel and give the wine a wonderful finish. The wine is Merlot-dry, but even a fan of fruitier wines will stick around for the finish.
This is a wine best paired with a drum roll and timpani.
Worth the extra scratch for a special occasion.
No comments:
Post a Comment