2015 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot Rector Creek Vineyard
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Rector Creek Vineyard is located north of the town of Yountville along the Silverado Trail. A unique climate featuring a cooling afternoon breeze combined with Rector Creek’s rocky alluvial soils creates excellent growing conditions for the vines. As a result, Rector Creek produces an elegant expression of Merlot with attractive blueberry and allspice aromatics, velvety structure and refined character highlighting classic notes of spicy plum.
Wine Profile
Production Notes
Varietal Content: 95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon; Cooperage: 100% French Oak, 75% New, 25% Neutral
Winemaker Notes
Once again, Rector Creek delivered an elegant and inviting expression of Merlot, with aromas of blueberry pie, violet and vanilla bean, along with hints of cherry, sage and tea leaves. On the palate, it is supple and juicy, with bright cherry and plum flavors and silky tannins that glide to a graceful cocoa powder and red berry finish.
Production
In Napa Valley, a warm, dry spring resulted in any early budbreak, while an extended flowering period brought a return to normal yields after three years of abundant crops. With berry weights down, the grapes offered great concentration, while retaining excellent acidity. We had one of our earliest harvests in the past decade, with our first white grapes arriving at the winery on July 31st. A light rain in mid-September nourished the vines, while providing welcome additional hangtime. Overall, the quality of the fruit was exceptional, with our white wines showing both richness and complexity, and our red grapes displaying a fine balance between elegance and intensity, with gorgeous dark fruit flavors.
Other Notes
Released: May 2018
Wine Specs
Wine Specs
Vintage
2015
Varietal
Merlot
Appellation
Napa Valley
Vineyard Designation
Rector Creek Vineyard
Harvest Date
September 5 - October 12, 2015
Sugar
26.1° Brix
Acid
0.52 g/100 ml titratable acidity
pH
3.80
Aging
18 Months in Barrel
Fermentation
10-12 days fermentation at 82°F
Alcohol %
14.50