95 Points - Wine Enthusiast
2009 Duckhorn Vineyards Three Palms Vineyard Merlot
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With abundant red fruit notes and signature Three Palms minerality, this is a classic expression of the qualities that have made this vineyard legendary in the world of California Merlot.
Wine Spectator
92
Wine Enthusiast
95
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Content: 82% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot; Cooperage: 100% French oak château-style barrels (60 gallons); Age of Barrels: 100% New
Winemaker Notes
Aromas of cherry, raspberry and red currant are underscored by hints of cola and freshly rained on river rocks. On the palate, the tannins are firm and structured, supporting ample currant and fig flavors, as well as enticing spice. This age-worthy wine will benefit from decanting in its youth.
Production
From our first Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc blocks to our final red-varietal Estate picks, our 2009 harvest spanned more than two months. Though the 2009 growing season presented certain challenges-from early shatter to late-season rain-a thoughtful response in the vineyards yielded smaller-than-normal crops of high-quality fruit. This response included aggressive leafing, an early thinning protocol and a heavy field sort to select only the most desirable grapes.
Other Notes
Released: April 2012
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2009
Varietal
Merlot
Appellation
Napa Valley
Vineyard Designation
Three Palms Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 10 – October 27, 2009
Sugar
27.2° Brix
Acid
0.58 g/100ml Titratable Acidity
pH
3.6
Aging
18 months in Barrel
Bottling Date
July 2011
Alcohol %
14.5
Wine Spectator
92
Wine Enthusiast
95
