93pts James Suckling

A juicy and fruity Merlot blend with plum, chocolate and hazelnut aromas and flavors. Full and layered with fleshy tannins and a flavorful finish. Velvety texture. Lovely approach ability.

91pts Wilfred Wong of Wine

The 2020 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot is elegant yet persistent on the palate. This wine offers aromas and flavors of red and black fruits, sagebrush, and hints of licorice and oak. Enjoy it with Instant Pot chicken with savory herbs. 

90pts Wine Enthusiast

This lighter-tasting, vibrant style of Merlot is refreshing to sip. Fresh raspberries and red cherries waft up from the glass before vivid, red fruit flavors hit the palate, freshened by good fruit acidity and light tannins.

90pts Wine Spectator

Well-knit, if rather taut for the moment, this red offers sturdy black cherry, dried herb and cedar flavors as it gathers tension toward firm tannins. Best from 2024 through 2030. 53,200 cases made.

Jeb Dunnuck

Black cherries, sappy herbs, asphalt, and coffee bean notes all emerge from the 2020 Merlot, a medium-bodied, nicely balanced, enjoyable Merlot from this team that's best enjoyed over the coming 4-6 years or so.

Robert Parker's Wine Advoacate

A classic Napa Valley Merlot, produced since 1978, Duckhorn's 2020 Merlot offers up scents of black cherries, thyme and mocha. It's medium to full-bodied but lacks a bit of richness on the mid-palate, then turns slightly coarse and rustic on the finish. Drink it young.

Winemaker Notes

Embodying the alluring beauty of great Napa Valley Merlot, this wine reveals vibrant aromas of red currant, ripe plum, black raspberry, cherry and sweet baking spices, with hints of tea leaves and cocoa. The palate is rich and luxurious, with silky tannins and flavors of ripe red berries, pie crust and fig compote gliding to a bright, elegant finish. 

About the Wine

Inspired after a visit to Bordeaux, Dan Duckhorn produced the first vintage of Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot in 1978. Highlighting Estate vineyards and top sites, our renown Merlot reflects the diversity of the valley’s many appellations. Blending with Cabernet Sauvignon adds notable depth and structure, as well as signature flavors of black cherry, plum and spice.

Blend: 80% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot