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Duckhorn Vineyards

Napa Valley, United States

Ethos: Let the vineyards speak and convey the soul of the wine.

The Triumph of Merlot in Napa Valley
Co-founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976, Duckhorn Vineyards has spent nearly fifty years establishing itself as one of Napa Valley’s premier producers and has carved out a global reputation for its wines, in particular Merlot. From its modest inaugural vintage of 800 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and 800 cases of Merlot in 1978, to its addition of Sauvignon Blanc in 1982, Duckhorn Vineyards has crafted a tradition of quality and excellence that continues today.

The wines

Predominantly red wines from traditional Bordeaux grape varieties with an increasing emphasis on single vineyard wines. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and a Blanc de Blancs Sparkling are also produced. Three Palms Vineyard Merlot, Duckhorn’s flagship wine yields a sumptuous, hedonistic expression of this sometime over-looked grape. Cabernet Sauvignons are released from Rutherford, Patzimaro Vineyard and Monitor Ledge Vineyard. Typically these wines show exceptional intensity and structure alongside rich dark berry elements and complex barrel flavours. Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon is a mono varietal wine, the other two have components of Merlot and either Cabernet Franc or, in the case of Monitor Ledge, a splash of Petit Verdot.

Your visit

Located in beautiful St. Helena, California is a traditionally designed, Victorian inspired house and tasting room of magnificent proportions. Visitors can taste Duckhorn’s award-winning Napa Valley wines, stroll through the beautiful grounds and enjoy the vineyard view from the wrap-around veranda. For those who love great Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, a trip to Duckhorn Vineyards is one of the pre-eminent Napa Valley tasting experiences. The Duckhorn Portfolio Tasting highlights five current-release wines, or for those who wish to delve a little deeper into their renowned portfolio, a unique Elevated Tasting Experience is also available.

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