Duckhorn Merlot Napa Valley

Our napa valley merlot is a complex blend of several individual vineyard lots incorporating fruit from our estate vineyards and from top independent growers throughout the napa valley. The final wine is a rich and cohesive expression of the entire napa valley reflecting the varied microclimates and soils of this unique appellation. 2012 harvest notes the 2012 growing season offered near-perfect growing conditions. Though budbreak was late due to heavy spring rains warm weather during bloom allowed the vines to set a large crop. Increased yields were the result of more berries not larger berries. This translated into even higher quality in the winery as the skin-to-juice ratio remained ideal. Slightly cooler-thanaverage post-veraison weather and a lack of any heat events allowed for greatly extended hang time. Harvest was 2-3 weeks later than average and the grapes arrived at the winery in pristine condition. Comments from the winemaker with its temperate weather and lengthy h