Reviews & Ratings

2006 Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot "Napa Valley"

Winery: Duckhorn Vineyards

Vintage: 2006

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Napa Valley"

Wine Category: Merlot

Grape blend: 96% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon, & 2% Petite Verdot

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Napa Valley

State or country: CA

Price: $52

Cases produced: 31,631

KWG Score: 92.3 (based on 6 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (89)

Review date: October 25, 2009

Wine Review: I had a chance to cover this Merlot at this year’s Newport Wine and Food Festival. I found this dark ruby colored Merlot to open with an attractive black raspberry bouquet with a hint of boysenberry and cedar. On the palate, it is medium bodied, balanced, and shows nice finesse. The flavor profile is a tasty ripe black cherry with hints of menthol as well. The finish is dry and its mild tannins drift away nicely. This food friendly Merlot would pair very well with lobster ravioli. Enjoy – Ken

Winemaker Notes: Our Napa Valley Merlot captures the balanced character of a young wine, while embodying the diversity of the entire Napa Valley appellation. This Merlot offers a rich texture, ripe tannins and seamlessly integrated French oak. The bouquet displays lush layers of ripe plum and bright raspberry underscored by notes of sandalwood, walnut and spice. On the palate, polished flavors of red cherry and raspberry are accented by an enticing layer of graham cracker piecrust.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Duckhorn 2006 Napa Valley Merlot.