Duckhorn Vineyards began with a mere 800 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon and 800 cases of Merlot in 1978, and now has a range of producers under its portfolio. Since 2014, Renée Ary has served as 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. Originally from the East Coast, Renée moved to California to attend Saint Mary’s College, where she earned a degree in chemistry and art. Fascinated by the intersection between science and an art, winemaking quickly became Renée’s passion, career and way of life. Her first job was working 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. Renee handles this program with a deft touch. She makes a ton of high quality wines. I love the new 2025 Duckhorn ‘North Coast’ Sauvignon Blanc (OB, 91), which is a killer value and shows great varietal character. Learn more about this famed winery at duckhorn.com Here are the beautiful new wines by Duckhorn.
2025 Duckhorn Vineyards ‘North Coast’ Sauvignon Blanc- Another great edition of this wine, the 2025 ‘North Coast’ shows pear and gooseberry tones that mingle well with wet rock and shades of cantalope. Rich and viscous, enjoy now. Drink 2026-2031- 91
2024 Duckhorn Vineyards ‘Napa Valley’ Chardonnay- Well-balanced, poised and rich, the 2024 ‘Napa Valley’ Chardonnay offers copious tropical and melon fruits on the palate with a soft mouthfeel. Showing excellent length and weight, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2026-2032- 92
2023 Duckhorn Vineyards ‘Napa Valley’ Merlot- The 2023 Buckhorn Merlot is soft, juicy, and delicious with classic chocolate covered cherry notes on the palate alongside loamy soils. Medium to full-bodied, with refined tannins and excellent weight, enjoy this beauty now and over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 93