2021 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot

Aromas of huckleberry, black cherry, and crushed plum integrate with sophisticated notes of sandalwood, leather, and a hint of fresh sage. The palate is full-bodied and exceptionally dense, featuring a powerful core of dark fruit and a savory, earthy complexity. It displays a monumental structure with firm, mountain tannins and a balanced acidity that leads to a long, decadent finish marked by bittersweet chocolate and toasted oak.

Winemaker Renee Ary utilizes a blend of 91% Merlot, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Malbec. In the cellar, the fruit is harvested by hand and fermented in stainless steel tanks to maintain the precision of the vineyard’s character. The wine matures for 18 months in 100% French oak barrels, with 75% of those being new wood. This intensive barrel program provides the structural framework necessary to support the intense fruit concentration while adding layers of sweet spice and a polished, velvety texture.

The fruit is grown in the Three Palms Vineyard within the Calistoga region of northern Napa Valley. The site is defined by its rocky, volcanic soils and its unique position on an alluvial fan, where three iconic palm trees mark the landscape. These lean, well-drained soils force the vines to struggle, resulting in small berries with incredible flavor intensity and thick skins. The 2021 vintage in Napa was characterized by low yields and a steady growing season, which produced a Merlot with a level of power and longevity that rivals the finest Cabernet Sauvignons of the valley.