Duckhorn
Duckhorn
AboutDuckhorn
Dan and Margaret Duckhorn founded Duckhorn Vineyards in Saint Helena in 1976 with a belief in Napa Valley’s potential for Bordeaux varieties. The inaugural 1978 harvest paired Merlot from Three Palms Vineyard with Cabernet Sauvignon from Stags Leap District and Howell Mountain. At a time when Merlot was largely treated as a blending grape in California, the winery helped establish it as a serious varietal wine.
After sourcing from Three Palms for decades, Duckhorn acquired the vineyard in 2015 as a cornerstone of its estate programme. Alongside Merlot, the winery makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay from Napa Valley vineyards.
Decoy 2020 Limited Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
American White
Green apple, nectarine and candied citrus accompany roasted nuts and acacia blossom. The palate is richly textured, with fresh citrus, stone fruit and a long, silky finish. The wine is made entirely from Chardonnay. Half fermented in stainless steel and half in barrel, with thirty-five percent new French oak and fifty percent malolactic fermentation. Alcohol is 14.2 percent.
Duckhorn 2004 Three Palms Vineyard Merlot Napa Valley
American Red
Red fruit, dried herbs, allspice, vanilla bean and dust accompany ripe strawberry, dried cherry, toasted oak, chocolate and spice. The texture is velvety, with bright acidity and firm, well-integrated tannins. The blend is seventy-five percent Merlot, ten percent Cabernet Sauvignon, nine percent Petit Verdot, five percent Cabernet Franc and one percent Malbec. Maturation lasts twenty months in new sixty-gallon French oak barrels. The wine contains 14.5 percent alcohol.
Duckhorn 2003 Three Palms Vineyard Merlot Napa Valley
American Red
Strawberry, raspberry, cherry, black olive, almond and spice accompany red fruit, cedar and oak. The texture is silky, with balanced acidity and ample tannins in a smooth, full-bodied profile. The blend is seventy-five percent Merlot, eleven percent Cabernet Sauvignon, seven percent Petit Verdot and seven percent Cabernet Franc. Maturation lasts twenty months in new sixty-gallon French oak barrels. The grapes were harvested over six days in September.
Duckhorn 2015 Napa Valley Chardonnay
American White
Nectarine, vanilla and cream accompany pear, peach, chai and wildflowers. The Chardonnay has a bright entry and a rich, silky texture, with delicate French-oak detail and a long mineral finish. Fermentation uses French oak, with lees stirring. Cooperage is ninety percent French oak and ten percent stainless steel, followed by ten months of barrel ageing. Alcohol is 14.1 percent.
Duckhorn 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa
American Red
Blackberry, cassis and blueberry liqueur shape a fragrant, deeply fruited nose. The palate expands through black cherry and dark plum, with firm tannins and clear acidity giving the fruit definition. Vanilla and tobacco emerge on the powerful, structured finish. Decant before serving with roast beef, grilled lamb or aged cheddar.
Duckhorn 2005 Merlot Napa
American Red
Blackcurrant and ripe cherry lead a full, richly layered palate, joined by dark chocolate, violet and liquorice. Smoky oak adds depth without obscuring the fruit, while dense, intricate tannins provide definition and length. Generous yet composed, it finishes with lingering dark berry and cocoa tones. Pair with lamb, roast beef or mushroom dishes.