A Premier Producer of Bordeaux Varietal Wines
Co-founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976, Duckhorn Vineyards has spent more than 30 years establishing itself as one of North
America's premier producers of Bordeaux varietal wines. 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.
Merlot Focus
Fundamental to that tradition was the early decision by Duckhorn Vineyards to focus on the production of Merlot. Though many
Napa Valley wineries were using Merlot as a blending grape in the late seventies, few were exploring the potential of this varietal as a
stand-alone wine. A great fan of Merlot since traveling to St. Emilion and Pomerol, Dan Duckhorn felt that this elegant varietal was under
appreciated in North America. "I liked the softness, the seductiveness, the color," says Dan, "the fact that it went with a lot of different
foods; it wasn't so bold, didn't need to age so long, and it had this velvety texture to it. It seemed to me to be a wonderful wine to just
enjoy. I became enchanted with Merlot."
Committed to Quality
The quality of Duckhorn Vineyards' wines has always been based on a commitment to selecting the finest fruit. Whether carefully sourcing grapes
from top sites in the Napa Valley or committing itself to estate vineyards, the winery was built on the belief that great wines begin in the
vineyard. At Duckhorn Vineyards this has always meant an emphasis on site and terroir.
Seven Estate Vineyards
Today, the winery's seven estate vineyards are located in alluvial fans of the Napa Valley as well as on the coveted slopes of Howell Mountain.
Winemaker Bill Nancarrow has numerous vineyard blocks to choose from, each offering markedly different flavor profiles.
An Artisan's Approach
Dedicated to making wines that reflect the unique character and quality of the vineyards, Bill strives to understand the needs and
opportunities presented by each specific terroir and microclimate. By approaching each vineyard block individually, Bill's goal is to harvest
when the flavors have reached their peak and the tannins are at their softest. In the winery, Bill applies an artisan's approach to
winemaking, blending from almost 200 distinctive lots using taste and instinct, not formula. Wines are barrel-aged separately by vineyard lot,
utilizing an extensive barrel program that sources 25 different types of oak from 13 separate cooperages. The resulting wines combine accents
from a comprehensive barrel program with grapes from diverse smaller appellations within the broader Napa Valley, including Howell Mountain,
Carneros, Yountville, Rutherford and St. Helena. For nearly three decades, the commitment to crafting wines of distinction has remained at the
heart of the Duckhorn Vineyards philosophy. As its Napa Valley estate properties continue to mature under Bill's stewardship, the winery will
continue creating world-class wines from exceptional vineyards.