Aged 18 months (75% new barrels). Shortly after Duckhorn was founded, this Three Palms Merlot made the brand famous. The vineyard is located on an alluvial fan formed by runoff from Selby Creek in the northeastern part of Napa Valley. The vineyard became the company's own vineyard in May 2015, and the 2014 VTG was ranked first in Wine Spectator's 2017 Top 100. In 2020, the 2017 VTG was ranked TOP 15.
Three Palms Vineyard is legendary, known as one of Napa's finest single vineyard Merlot producers.
We have been producing wine from this vineyard since the 1978 vintage when we were founded, and have had an exclusive contract to sell grapes since 2011.
Then, in May 2015, we fulfilled a long-held dream and purchased the field, making it our own.
As its name suggests, the vineyard is planted with three palm trees and is located south of Calistoga. The poor, well-drained soil forces the roots of the vines to dig deep underground in search of nutrients.
It produces red fruit flavors and minerality, giving the wine elegance and longevity.
This is a great wine that serves as a benchmark for New World Merlot.
The 2014 vintage was selected alongside Petrus as one of the "Six World Famous Merlots" in the April 17, 2017 issue of Decanter Magazine Online.
Vintage Information
2019 was another special vintage, producing wines of attractive luster and poise.
The season began with a wet winter followed by a mild spring.
This meant we got off to a slightly later start than usual, however the summer weather was ideal and there were no major heat waves, allowing for an ideal flavour development.
The result is a complex, powerful white wine and a sophisticated red wine with fine tannins, attractive aromas and beautiful fruitiness.
Tasting Comments
The exceptional 2019 vintage has produced an attractive, elegant and full-bodied Merlot from the renowned Three Palms Vineyard.
Aromas of plum, raspberry, and dark chocolate jump out of the glass, with hints of molasses and vanilla.
In the mouth, firm tannins and deep, energetic acidity balance the rich black berry flavors and give them a bright finish.
A wine that can be expected to age for a long time.
Field Information
Located on the northeast side of Napa Valley, south of Calistoga, it is one of the last areas in the valley to see fog.
The site is located on an alluvial fan formed by sediment carried by Selby Creek, and soil testing reveals that the soil is poor and full of rocks all the way to the bottom.
This allows the vines to send their roots deep into the ground. The rocks absorb the heat of the sun during the day and protect the vines from frost damage at night.
Duckhorn has been producing Merlot from grapes from this vineyard since the first vintage in 1978.
In 2011, they signed an exclusive contract, and in 2015, they finally purchased the vineyard and made it their own.
Vintage: 2019
Capacity: 1500ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: Merlot 92%
Blend: 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Cabernet Franc, 1% Malbec
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Napa Valley
Vineyard: Three Palms Vineyard
Winemaker: Rnee Ary
Aging: 18 months in French barrels (75% new)
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.5%
JAN: 669576018538