Since their inaugural 1978 vintage, Duckhorn has been proud to craft a vineyard-designate Merlot from the legendary Three Palms Vineyard. Named for its three iconic palm trees, this warm, up-valley vineyard features lean soils that cause the vines to send their roots deep in search of nutrients, yielding a profoundly intense and age-worthy wine with complex fruit and mineral layers. As a testament to its status as the benchmark for New World Merlot, in 2017, Wine Spectator honored Duckhorn's 2014 Three Palms Vineyard Merlot as "Wine of the Year."
JEB DUNNUCK 93+ POINTS - "The 2021 Merlot Three Palms Vineyard is based on 87% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Ripe black cherries, blackberries, leather, camphor, and subtle graphite notes all define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, has ripe yet substantial tannins, and a great finish. It's impressive. Give bottles 2-4 years and enjoy over the following decade."
WINE SPECTATOR 92 POINTS - "Handsomely structured and built for the long haul, with multilayered red currant and plum flavors laced with espresso and spice notes as this builds toward slightly firm tannins. Best from 2024 through 2033. 5,000 cases made."
JEB DUNNUCK 93+ POINTS - "The 2021 Merlot Three Palms Vineyard is based on 87% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Ripe black cherries, blackberries, leather, camphor, and subtle graphite notes all define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, has ripe yet substantial tannins, and a great finish. It's impressive. Give bottles 2-4 years and enjoy over the following decade."
WINE SPECTATOR 92 POINTS - "Handsomely structured and built for the long haul, with multilayered red currant and plum flavors laced with espresso and spice notes as this builds toward slightly firm tannins. Best from 2024 through 2033. 5,000 cases made."
