($54): Duckhorn made a name for itself with Merlot and continues to excel with that grape variety.  Their 2011 Napa Valley bottling, made from a combination of their and purchased grapes, has real character, which puts it out of the “I’ll have a glass of Merlot before dinner” category.  Tannins provide structure yet the wine is still supple without being soft.  A pleasant bitterness appears in the fine.
93 Michael Apstein Mar 18, 2014