Duckhorn Estate Merlot 2003

Duckhorn has become something of a gold standard when it comes to Napa Valley Merlot and this deep keenly crafted example serves as an exemplary case in point. Its unstinting fruit is enriched with plenty of complementary oak and it maintains a wonderful sense of juicy cherries even as its well-woven tannins provide a nice bit of finishing grip. Its optimal ripeness comes without evident heat and it offers immense immediate pleasure while promising to get even better with age.