Duckhorn Merlot Three Palms 2021

This iconic red wine originates from the United States, specifically the Napa Valley region of California, and is a single-vineyard designate from the legendary Three Palms Vineyard in the Calistoga appellation. Duckhorn Vineyards was co-founded in 1976 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn with a specific focus on crafting premium Merlot. The winery has been producing a vineyard-designate Merlot from Three Palms since its inaugural 1978 vintage, and the vineyard is revered as a benchmark for New World Merlot, known for yielding profoundly intense and age-worthy wine.

Wine Description

The 2021 Three Palms Merlot is an elegantly full-bodied and deep garnet-coloured expression. On the nose, it offers alluring aromas of huckleberry, fig jam, cranberry, cocoa, and rose petals. The palate is rich with flavours of blackberry, cherry, molasses, and a distinct wet slate minerality. It is a blend of 87% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Malbec, and 1% Cabernet Franc. The wine’s sumptuous structure is framed by fine, graceful tannins. It was aged for 18 months in 100% French oak, with 75% of the barrels being new. It is full-bodied and generous, displaying a seamless, silky smooth mouthfeel.

Accolades

• Wine Enthusiast - 94 points

• James Suckling - 94 points

• Wine Spectator - 92 points

Food Pairing

This exceptional Merlot is a perfect match for robust, flavourful dishes. Suggested pairings include filet mignon smothered with a classic red wine and mushroom pan sauce, roast beef covered with a mushroom gravy, and hearty red meats like Beef, Lamb, or Veal. The wine's rich, concentrated dark fruit and polished tannins stand up beautifully to the intensity of these meats. A perfect match to enhance the wine's complexity.