94 Points, Wine Spectator
Powerfully built yet refined and generous, with rich flavors of blackberry and red currant that take on toasty cinnamon, tomato leaf and spice flavors as this builds toward broad-shouldered tannins. Best from 2026 through 2033.
94 Points, James Suckling
Refined and pure with delicate notes of damson plums, fresh herbs, crushed blueberries and graphite. The palate is full-bodied with densely packed fruit and finely integrated tannins that are balanced and harmonious. A fine example of merlot done well. Drink or hold.
In 2017, Wine Spectator tasted 17,000 wines over the course of the year. As they compiled the short list of the top wines of the year, they ranked them as they always do based on four factors: quality, value (price), availability and, what they call ‘the X factor’ (advertising dollars spent). As you probably know by now, Duckhorn’s Three Palms was Wine Spectator’s 2017 #1 Wine of the Year.
On the heels of being crowned Wine Spectator’s 2017 #1 Wine of the Year in their Annual ‘Top 100’ list Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, the founders of this Napa institution finally were able to purchase their beloved Three Palms Vineyard, further cementing their dedication to the continuation of one of the best representations of the varietal in the world. It took a long time to do so. In the decades they’ve been crafting Merlot, Duckhorn’s name is mentioned in the top echelon of American Bordeaux blends with the wines of Insignia, Opus One and Silver Oak.
This beauty also has at least 25-30 years of cellaring potential going for it as well. This is an all-time collector’s item. Very limited quantities to go around – but at double 94-points from James Suckling and Wine Spectator, you can assure this continues to be a cut above the rest.