 
			
		2017 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot
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			Our Napa Valley Merlot is a complex blend of several individual vineyard lots, incorporating fruit from our estate vineyards and from top independent growers throughout the Napa Valley. The final wine is a rich and cohesive expression of the entire Napa Valley, reflecting the varied microclimates and soils of this unique appellation.
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				90
			Wine Review Online
				92
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			Wine Profile
Production Notes
			Varietal Composition: 80% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2.5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, 0.5% Malbec; Oak Profile: 100% French oak- 40% new, 60% neutral
		Winemaker Notes
			A classic expression of Napa Valley Merlot, this wine offers alluring aromas of lush cherry, raspberry, cocoa and freshly baked pie crust. The cherry and raspberry notes are echoed on the silky palate, where fine-grained tannins and flavors of ripe plum, blueberry, licorice and subtle baking spice draw the wine to a long, elegant finish.
		Production
			The 2017 growing season began with abundant winter rains, followed by a warm, dry spring that led to a perfectly timed budbreak. In addition to replenishing the water table, the early season rains produced robust canopies, which provided invaluable shade during a week-long heat event that kicked harvest into gear during the last week of August. This was followed by a much-needed cooldown that allowed the vines to recuperate, while also giving us extra hangtime for flavor development and tannin resolution. We harvested throughout September and into early October, with the grapes showing lovely ripeness and quality, yielding plush, polished and wonderfully complex wines.
		Wine Specs
Wine Specs
			
			
			Vintage
				2017
			Varietal
				Merlot
			Acid
			0.60 g/100 ml
		pH
			3.61
		Aging
			15 months
		Alcohol %
			14.5
		Wine Enthusiast
				90
			Wine Review Online
				92
			Wine & Spirits
				90
			