The Wine Fairy

Today’s wine was presaged by a special omen: Duck family! In my yard!

Mr. and Mrs. Mallard stopped by this morning, grubbing up worms from the driveway after the rain. Whenever they found one, he nudged it toward her to taste it first–just like my partner does when I order something weird off a wine list.

Speaking of wine–it’s #MerlotThursday. The trendy seafood bar was out of their by-the-glass Merlot when I stopped in for lunch. So they offered me Duckhorn instead, and–thinking fondly of my flat-footed neighbors–I happily agreed.

Duckhorn Merlot is rightfully regarded as a Napa Valley classic. It’s known for blending vibrant Merlot flavors with some Old World winemaking know-how that founder Dan Duckhorn brought home from Pomerol.

The littlest duckling of the family (Decoy Merlot by Duckhorn) is a chain-restaurant staple–and a past #MerlotThursday pick. But the main bottling is a noticeable step up, bringing punchier fruit and a more serious structure. The grapes come from various Napa sub-appellations (Oak Knoll, Carneros, Calistoga, Yountville, and St. Helena) and are bolstered with a generous sploosh of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc.

The 2022 pours up a deep ruby, with a slightly lighter rim and an inky black core. Aromas of red and black cherries, soft red plums, cedar and rose oil, and dark chocolate with an ethanol kick that softens into kirsch. It smells exactly like Merlot–without tipping over into chocolate-cherry Candyland–and the mature fruit aromas are uplifted by a hint of peppery spice and mint jelly.

The palate is dominated by ripe red and black berries. Cherry, black raspberry, and plum sauce are pleasantly accompanied by a layer of savory gaminess. It ends fresh, with cranberry, light herbs, and orange rind.

Compared to the Duckhorn Decoy (a simple pleasure with cherry, plum, and mocha flavors), Duckhorn Merlot is hustling to win over Cab drinkers. It’s dry with medium-plus acidity. Medium-plus tannins, too–most know how to mellow out with the fruity vibes, but some cling on the way out, like a goodbye hug from the neediest of friends. A little time in the glass unlocks hidden black fruit, new leather, and a dusting of clove and anise spice.

This was a nice pour! If there are any quibbles here, it’s that the alcohol feels just a bit higher than the weight of this wine can easily support. But overall, it’s a spirited, red-fruit driven Merlot with subtle oak and enough depth to savor for an hour or more. Your devoted #MerlotThursday taster took to it like a duck to water.

Aged 15 months in 100% French oak, 40% new and 60% neutral.

Bottle: Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot (2022) – California

Variety: Merlot (85%), Cabernet Sauvignon (13%), Cabernet Franc (2%)

ABV: 14.5%

Suggested retail: $44.99

My rating: 9.3 (out of 10)

Review disclosure: I was not compensated or provided any free products for this review. Opinions expressed on The Wine Fairy blog are entirely my own.

On Thursdays, we Merlot! You can view archived #MerlotThursday reviews here.