92 Points - Wine Spectator
		
			 
			
		2018 Duckhorn Vineyards Atlas Peak Napa Valley Merlot
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			We produced our first Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot in 1978. In the years since, mountain-grown grapes have played an essential role in our Napa Valley Merlot program. Atlas Peak’s temperatures can be as much as 10 degrees cooler than the valley floor, and its high-elevation vineyards are largely above the fog line. This results in long, even ripening that delivers exceptional Merlot vintage after vintage. Our Atlas Peak Merlot displays beautiful concentration with briar berry character alongside wild spice and herb notes.
Wine Spectator
				92
			Wine Enthusiast
				90
			Wine Profile
Production Notes
			Varietal Composition: 100% Merlot
		Winemaker Notes
			From its complex aromas of Mission fig, red currant, black cherry and huckleberry to its energetic acidity and rich, rustic structure this is a dazzling expression of mountain-grown Merlot. On the palate, flavors of raspberry, black plum, chocolate and anise mingle with hints of cedar, clove and orange blossom throughout a long, complex finish.
		Production
			For both red and white grapes, 2018 offered near picture-perfect growing conditions, with mild spring and summer weather, and no significant heat events. The conditions were ideal for both our Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc, which show beautiful tropical notes and ripe flavors at low sugars. While our Chardonnay harvest began about three weeks later than normal, the fruit arrived at the winery in pristine condition, producing dynamic and complex wines. The excellent growing conditions naturally resulted in a slightly larger than average crop for our red Bordeaux varieties, with fully lignified seeds at low sugars levels. With temperate weather throughout fall, we were able to pick each block at optimal ripeness, yielding exceptionally juicy and polished red wines, with plush, well-rounded tannins, and lovely overall structure.
		Wine Specs
Wine Specs
			
			
			Vintage
				2018
			Varietal
				Merlot
			Appellation
				Napa Valley
			Acid
			0.56 g/100 ml
		pH
			3.59
		Aging
			100% French Oak: 50% New, 50% Neutral; aged 16 months
		Alcohol %
			14.5
		Wine Spectator
				92
			Wine Enthusiast
				90
			