Duckhorn Napa Merlot 2023 (750ml)
Product price
Description
Merlot has long been a house specialty in Napa Valley, and this 2023 bottling from Duckhorn Wine Company is a mostly-Merlot red rounded out with a measure of Cabernet Sauvignon and small amounts of Malbec and Cabernet Franc. It spent fifteen months in French oak, about 40% of it new, which lends the wine a gentle frame of spice without overwhelming the fruit.
Aromas of soft black and blue fruit lead into plum skin, dried herbs, and a dusty floral note, with cedar and baking spice woven through rather than sitting on top. The palate is medium-bodied and finely built, with fine-grained tannins, bright acidity, and juicy plum that carries into a mouthwatering finish. Balanced and refined, it drinks well now and has the structure to hold.
Product Details
| Category | Wine |
| Color | Red |
| Country | USA |
| Region | California |
| Subregion | Napa Valley |
| Varietal | Merlot |
| Producer | Duckhorn Wine Company |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Size | 750 ML |
| Subtype | Still |
Expert Reviews
This is such a lovely wine, with aromas of soft black and blue fruit, herbs, spices and plum skin. The palate is fine, with mouthwatering tannins and bright, vibrant acidity. A very well-balanced and refined merlot. Drink or hold. (James Suckling)
I've been enjoying Duckhorn Merlot for decades. The 2023 release, a blend of 78% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Malbec, 1% Cabernet Franc, aged 15 months in 40% new French oak, delivers another satisfying, classic rendition of the iconic wine. Pretty red berry fruit, dusty rose and mineral notes, integrated cedarwood spices, all meld together on the medium-bodied palate, where juicy plum, brown baking spices, and fine-grained tannins build with harmony and grace through the easy-going, mouthwatering finish. (Decanter, May 2026)