First report on Napa Trip at Duckhorn Vineyards

We had a great tasting experience at Duckhorn, $27 per person for a total of eight wines. Our total was $80 which included a charcuterie plate. Duckhorn has several labels and many different individual vineyard varietals. Although they produce several Cabernet Sauvignons, like every Napa winery, their signature varietal is Merlot.



2012 Migration Chardonnay (Russian River Valley) ($32)

Nectarines and peaches on the nose with some oak. Rich and full on the palate with some intense acidity. 86.









2013 Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc ($29)

Lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit on the nose. Refreshing and crisp with well balanced acidity and a hint of minerality on the finish. 87.








2011 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir ($55)

Red berries dominate the nose and palate, particularly raspberry. Some oak and vanilla on the palate as well. Finishes beautifully and could improve with another couple years in the bottle. 89.








2011 Napa Valley Patzimara Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($95)

88% Cab Sauv with 12% Merlot to round it out. Raspberry and leather on the nose with a hint of grass. Rich and complex, plums and strawberries are joined with some earthy notes and dusty tannins. Finishes very long. 88.








2011 Napa Valley Monitor Ledge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon ($95)

Twice as much Merlot as it's counterpart above, this wine displays beautiful red fruits, oak, thyme and leather on the nose. Some cherries and flowers on the palate. Lovely now and some aging would only enhance. 90.








2011 Napa Valley Atlas Peak Merlot ($70)

Beautiful nose of cherries, red currant, plum and wet stone. Tannins are dusty and sharp, with layers of red fruit and oak. Will likely improve greatly with age. 88.









2011 Napa Valley Three Palms Vineyard Merlot ($95)


87% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc. On the nose, more delicate and muted than it's counterpart above. Plums, blackberries on the palate. Long, elegant finish. Another one that will much improve with age. 88.







2010 Duckhorn Vineyards The Discussion ($135)

Their signature Bordeaux blend, 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% each of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The nose brings some licorice, blackberry, thyme and violets. The palate might experience some bing cherry, plums, with silky tannins. Drinking very well now and this one is built for some medium-long term aging. 91.






Not a bad wine in the bunch! A terrific tasting experience I recommend to all when visiting Napa.