One of the only Napa houses that hedged their bet on crafting beautiful Merlot, Dan and Margaret Duckhorn founded Duckhorn Vineyards back in 1976. What began with a mere 800 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and 800 cases of Merlot in 1978, Duckhorn now has many arms of their dynasty including a winery in Washington (Canvasback) as well as Goldeneye out of the Anderson Valley, who is steadily producing a gorgeous lineup of Pinot Noirs. Duckhorn relies on seven estate vineyards for their wines and makes some of the most consistent Merlot in Napa Valley.
It was back in 2014 that Renée Ary became the fourth head winemaker for Duckhorn Vineyards winemakers that began with Tom Rinaldi in 1978. Her promotion came after 11 years after serving as both assistant and associate winemaker. Born and raised on the East Coast, Renée moved to California to attend Saint Mary’s College, where she earned a degree in chemistry and art. Renee formerly worked in the lab at Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville, as she trained under famed winemakers Genevieve Janssens, Steve Leveque and Richard Sowalsky. During that time she took classes in winemaking and viticulture at UC Davis and Napa Valley College.
In August of 2003, Renée joined the Duckhorn Vineyards team under then winemaker, Mark Beringer. Throughout her first decade at Duckhorn Vineyards, Renée learned every detail of production moving from lab manager to enologist to assistant winemaker to associate winemaker in charge of Duckhorn’s Sauvignon Blanc and Monitor Ledge Vineyard wines. I have been so impressed with the consistency of her wines. I am really impressed with their 2020 Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot (OB, 91) which is a great wine made in an incredibly challenging vintage. Learn more about this famed winery at duckhorn.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Duckhorn.
2021 Duckhorn ‘North Coast’ Sauvignon Blanc- For this vintage Duckhorn Vineyards winemaker Renee Ary has blended in 7% Semillon as the wine was aged for five months Sur lie in only 8% new French oak prior to bottling. Soft and very approachable on the mouth, this delvers ripe pear and honeydew melon tones alongside shades of cardamom dusted starfruit on the palate. Drink 2022-2028- 91
2020 Duckhorn Vineyards ‘Napa Valley’ Merlot- The 2020 Duckhorn Merlot combines 80% Merlot wth the remainder Cabernet Sauvignon (17%), and a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The nose shows bright red florals alongside ripe dark fruits and a touch of chocolate. The palate shows bitter chocolate alongside boysenberry, black tea and firm tannins. This is quite honestly a remarkably achievement considering the challenges of the vintage. Drink 2023-2029- 91
2018 Duckhorn Vineyards ‘Howell Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2018 ‘Howell Mountain’ Cabernet Sauvignon has 8% Merlot blended in. Aged for 24 months in French oak, this offers black tea, wild blackberry, cocoa powder and tobacco leaf on the palate. Finishing long, this is delicious, generous wine to consume over the next decade. Drink 2023-2035- 93