|
W
I N E R Y & V I N E Y A R D S |
Portfolio
of Duckhorn Vineyard Wine Reviews
By
Jason Barlow
It
was a crisp, refreshing day in San Francisco, the sun managing
to break through the layer of morning fog and brighten the city.
The pristine ocean air swirled about Union Square as my colleague
and I made our way towards Farallon Restaurant. They were generously
hosting a portfolio tasting of Duckhorn company
wines, with new and recent releases from all the Duckhorn
labels and vineyards. I had long been a fan of their Decoy
label, so I was quite pleased for the opportunity to taste a much
wider variety of their renowned wine.
Margaret
Duckhorn, who co-founded the Vineyard in 1976 with Dan
Duckhorn, was present to greet new arrivals. We chatted
briefly about her wines before she took up a place pouring right
alongside the rest of the servers. The offerings of the day highlighted
the three main labels of the Duckhorn company:
Goldeneye, Paraduxx, and, of
course, Duckhorn Vineyards. Each label showed its own special
character, but the quality of the wines was consistently praise
worthy.
The
Duckhorns founded the Goldeneye estate
in 1997 to fulfill their passion for Pinot Noir. Located in Mendocino's
Anderson Valley, the cool ocean fog, clay soil, and long, mild
days of the appellation are just the right ingredients for producing
world-class Pinots. The tastings of two main release Pinots, along
with two single vineyard releases from this estate, certainly
lived up to their topnotch billing. The winery is open daily from
11am to 4pm should you want to taste for yourself. They offer
a Core tasting for $5 or an Enhanced Tasting for $10. There are
also tours offered on Fridays and Sundays at 11am. It is $20 for
just the tour, or $45 for the tour accompanied by a lovely picnic
lunch in the picturesque courtyard, catered specially to pair
with the wineryís current releases.
At
Paraduxx, they strive to be innovative and out
of the ordinary. They specialize in a distinctly California red
blend, with Zinfandel, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, created
with great care by winemaker Bill Nancarrow.
Tastings of the 2004 and 2005 vintages were both quite excellent,
showing that a California blend just may take its place alongside
the Super Tuscans and Shiraz-Cabernet Sauvignon blends of Australia.
The
2006 vintage is being released soon, and Paraduxx
is celebrating with an Open House on October 11th from 3pm to
6pm. There will be fine food, blending seminars, a silent auction,
and live music. Tickets are $55 a person.
The
selection of tastes from Duckhorn Vineyards itself
included Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon,
and their flagship varietal, Merlot. The wines poured
were sourced from nearly all of the winery's seven estate vineyards,
and the individual character of the distinct terroirs are reflected
in the different wines. Winemaker Bill Nancarrow's method of approaching
each vineyard block individually is key to harvesting when flavors
have reached their peak and the tannins are at their softest.
The
lush, well-structured wines we tried all reflected a high commitment
to quality. To taste for yourself, the Estate House is open daily
from 10am to 4pm. You can make a reservation online for a Tableside
Tasting ($15) of a flight of current release Duckhorn
wines. Enhanced Tastings ($25), which include four limited
production wines, are also available.
After
tasting a portfolio of sixteen different Duckhorn
wines, my colleague and I agreed that while the winery has expanded
their range over the years, they have maintained their commitment
to making world-class wines. Saying goodbye, we thanked Margaret
Duckhorn for the great contributions her company has made to the
world of wine and for the great offerings that will surely come
in the future. Duckhorn has the reputation as
one of Napa Valleyís best wineries, and after these tastings,
I am well-assured of why.
Tastings:
Duckhorn
• Paraduxx
• Goldeneye
• Decoy
• Migration
|
|
Duckhorn
Vineyards, Napa Valley, Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
A wet growing season and long harvest yielded a crop of
excellent fruit for this vintage. Aged for 18 months in
French oak and blended with Merlot to add further complexity,
this Cabernet unfurls a nose jam-packed with layers of fruit,
including plum, cherry, boysenberry, blackberry, and currants.
From its deep, dark purple hue pours ripe red fruit flavors
that unfold upon plush tannins into dynamic notes of cedar,
spice, and herbs, with a hint of black olive on the lingering
finish. Serve this wine with grilled lamb in rosemary pepper
marinade and enjoy. |
|
Duckhorn
Vineyards, Estate Grown, Napa Valley,
Cabernet Sauvignon 2005
Fruit from five different estate vineyards was blended with
a touch of Merlot and aged in oak for 20 months to produce
this fine wine of excellent depth. Held up to sunlight,
the very deep violet hue glows. Connoisseurs will admire
the rich and complex nose packed with earthy overtones of
hickory, smoke, and cedar, contrasted by mellow notes of
red fruit and vanilla. Nicely structured and well-balanced,
the palate opens up with flavors of cassis and blackberry
surrounding pockets of earth that finish soft and smooth.
Indulge in a bottle now, and cellar another for ten years,
as this wine shows great promise for development. |
|
Duckhorn
Vineyards, Napa Valley,
Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Monitor Ledge
With its cobblestones and gravelly, sandy loam soil, vines
struggle to grow on the Monitor Ledge Vineyard but produce
excellent fruit. This estate grown Cabernet, blended with
a touch of Merlot and Petit Verdot and aged in French oak,
is a well-structured, mouth-filling wine. Swirl a glass
and lush aromas of cherry, raspberry, and red currants rise
from the deep purple hue, mingling with subtle hints of
sweet spice. On the palate, velvety tannins unfurl layers
of red fruit with elegant notes of vanilla, chocolate, and
coffee that finish oh so smoothly. An exceptional Cabernet,
it deserves to compliment a juicy beef tenderloin, seasoned
with roast garlic and rosemary. |
|
Duckhorn
Vineyards, Napa Valley,
Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Patzimaro Vineyard
At the based of Spring Mountain, the Patzimaro Vineyard
enjoys high daytime temperatures and mild, cool evenings
that produce outstanding fruit. The favorable growing conditions
of the vineyard, combined with a fine growing season, have
turned out a refined and balanced wine. From its deep black-purple
hue, classic scents of black currants, blueberry, spicy
earth, and mint envelop the senses. Sip slowly and close
your eyes to savor the rich dark fruit flavors, lovely acidity,
and soft tannins. The gentle dusty finish conjures up the
majestic Napa countryside. Treat yourself to a bottle now,
and cellar one away for ten years. Then treat yourself again. |
|
Duckhorn
Vineyards, Napa Valley, Merlot 2006
This Merlot is a blend of fruit from several individual
vineyard lots, with grapes grown on the Estate Vineyard,
as well as by independent growers. The standout quality
of the fruit required only small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon
and Petit Verdot for complexity. Though still a young wine,
lush aromas of plum, raspberry, and boysenberry pour from
the ruby-purple hue, with nuances of earth and spice lingering
in the background. Silky smooth tannins carry overtones
of red plums and bing cherry, accented by the soft touch
of oak. Picture the rich, fertile soils of the Napa Valley
as the wines closes with a lingering dusty finish. Another
classic Duckhorn wine! |
|
Duckhorn
Vineyards, Estate Grown, Napa Valley,
Merlot 2005
Carrying on over 25 years of tradition, Duckhorn continues
to craft fine wines, using only the lots which show the
true character of the winery. A blend of predominantly Merlot
and Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for 20 months in French oak,
this luscious wine releases ripe plum and cherry aromas,
with complex notes of cloves, leather, and earth out of
a freshly swirled glass. Close your eyes and let velvet
smooth tannins carry bright cherry and dark berry flavor
over the palate, with subtle herbaceous notes adding a very
nice depth. Open a bottle with an elegant cheese appetizer,
and be sure to stock one or two in the cellar. This is a
wine that will age well! |
|
Duckhorn
Vineyards, Napa Valley, Merlot 2005,
Three Palms Vineyard
Located on the northeast side of the Napa Valley, the Three
Palms Vineyard's soil is rocky and well drained, with the
stones absorbing much of the sun's heat. The fruit from
the vineyard has been producing full-bodied wines, showing
all the unique elements of the terroir since 1978. This
2005 vintage is no exception, blending Merlot with accents
of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
Admire the deep ruby-purple hue, before pausing to fill
your senses with the rich nose of cherry and vanilla, with
hints of oak. On the palate, the soft, chewy structure carries
sweet cherry, boysenberry, and orange spice that finishes
with lingering notes of cedar and earth. Pair this lovely
Merlot with game dishes or a tender cut of beef and enjoy. |
|
Duckhorn
Vineyards, Decoy, Napa Valley, Red Wine 2006
The sister label of Duckhorn since 1985, Decoy has produced
fine wine from classic Bordeaux varietals. The 2006 vintage
is a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 5% Cabernet
Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot from the Napa Valley. The resulting
wine, with its lush, deep violet hue, is graceful, smooth
and sure to please a crowd. Its nose has tremendous depth,
with springtime aromas of lavender and roses unfolding into
ripe black cherries, tobacco, and hints of spice. The supple,
yet solid tannins wrap the palate in soft fruit layers of
red plums, cherry, and currants, with notes of fresh cracked
pepper mingling beneath. Pair this excellent wine with a
dry-aged prime rib eye roast with truffle oil and rosemary.
At $30, this bottle is a great value. |
|
Duckhorn
Vineyards, Howell Mountain, Napa Valley,
Red Wine 2004
Duckhorn has crafted a bottle from this distinctive region
since 1989, taking advantage of the high elevation terroir
that produces wine with excellent structure and complexity.
The 2004 vintage is no exception. Bottle-aged for a year
longer than most of their other wines to promote further
development, this fine red wine enchants drinkers with aromas
of exquisite chocolate, wild blackberries, mushrooms, and
spice. A sip brings rich flavors of dark berries and currants,
surrounding bolder notes of coffee and dark chocolate that
unfold into a dry, smooth finish with lingering hints of
oak and soft floral tones. A very nice wine! |
|
Duckhorn
Vineyards, Napa Valley, Sauvigon Blanc 2007
This Sauvigon Blanc is made of fruit from several individual
vineyard lots throughout the Napa Valley with various microclimates.
Blended together and combined with Semillon, the fruit has
produced a rich wine with a soothing, soft acidity. From
its translucent-gold hue, fresh aromas of citrus fruits,
peach, and orange blossoms invigorate the senses. The first
sip sends lush tropical fruit, lemon, grapefruit, peach,
and sweet spice drifting over the palate. With a full, slightly
creamy mouthfeel and great depth of flavor, this is a wine
well worth drinking. Enjoy it on its own before dinner,
or pair it with halibut in a light Asian marinade. |
|
Paraduxx
Winery, Napa Valley, Red Wine 2004
An elegant blend of 65% Zinfandel, 28% Cabernet Sauvignon,
and 7% Merlot, winemaker Bill Nancarrow offers an excellent
wine with lush fruit flavor. Spicy overtones add to its
complexity. Swirl a glass and take in the sweet aromas of
cherry, raspberry, and strawberry jam with notes of mocha,
walnut, and black pepper rounding out the bouquet. Sip and
allow supple tannins to carry ripe red-fruit flavors over
the palate, unfolding into deeper notes of currants, oak,
and spice. A lovely, dynamic wine you can serve to dinner
guests with pride. |
|
Paraduxx
Winery, Napa Valley, Red Wine 2005
Above average rainfall led to abundant clusters of fruit
and a long harvest period. This prime fruit was then aged
for 18 months in French and American oak for further flavor
development. Out of the bottle, this rich, medium-bodied
blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet
Franc is smooth yet bold with flavors. Strawberry, plum,
spice, and tobacco mingle together in alluring bouquet.
When slowly sipped, ripe blackberry and plum unfold upon
supple tannins into bold notes of cocoa, coffee, and smoky
earth. Winemaker David Galzignato has done some fine work.
Savor a bottle now, but this wine promises to age well,
too. So grab an extra one for the cellar. |
|
Goldeneye
Winery, Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2005
Moderate temperatures and superb ripening conditions in
the Anderson Valley made for a slow and steady harvest,
producing fruit of excellent quality. Aging in French oak
for 16 months, helped produced a lighter, highly drinkable
wine, with a bold depth of flavors. Black cherry, sweet
spices, and hints of herbs rise up from a freshly swirled
glass, setting you at ease for your first sip. Strawberry
and cherry flavors pack the palate, with notes of vanilla
and a touch of oak floating in the deep layers. A wine worthy
to share with your dearest friends, cook up some portabella
burgers and open two bottles. Youíll want them both. |
|
Goldeneye
Winery, Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir 2005, Confluence
Vineyard
Located in the heart of the Anderson Valley and offering
a distinctive array of soils, exceptional Pinot fruit comes
out of these vineyards. For this 2005 vintage, the quality
was superb, as many of the blocks were harvested at near
perfection. Out of this first-class fruit has come a first-class
Pinot Noir. Leisurely swirl a glass, and then indulge your
senses in the luxurious aromas of fresh strawberry, ripe
plum, and dark cherry, with rich pockets of sweet spice
and toasted oak. Sip ever so slowly, and relish the intoxicating
blackberry, strawberry, cinnamon, and earth flavors that
envelope the palate. Incredibly smooth and very well-structured.
Aging in the cellar will certainly result in further development.
A spectacular wine! |
|
Goldeneye
Winery, Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir 2005,
Gowan Creek Vineyard
Two miles north of Confluence Vineyard, the Gowan site combines
the valley's warmer character with the cooler elements of
the northern “deep end" These unique conditions
produce wines that are potent and expressive. This 2005
vintage leads you in with a nose brimming over with ripe
black cherry, blackberry, and raspberry, which opens into
deeper scents of tea, dusty earth, and hints of oak. Bursting
from the rich ruby hue, come ripe fruit flavors of cherry
and wild blackberry, with complicating nuances of earthy
minerals. Well-controlled acidy and a lush mouth feel make
this a highly drinkable wine. Paired with roast duck, fresh
grilled salmon, rich mushroom dishes, or an elegant cheese
plate, this excellent wine will not disappoint. Drink now
or in a few years. |
|
Decoy
Wines, 2006 Napa Valley, Red Wine
The sister label of Duckhorn since 1985, Decoy has produced
fine wine from classic Bordeaux varietals. The 2006 vintage
is a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 5% Cabernet
Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot from the Napa Valley. The resulting
wine, with its lush, deep violet hue, is graceful, smooth
and sure to please a crowd. Its nose has tremendous depth,
with springtime aromas of lavender and roses unfolding into
ripe black cherries, tobacco, and hints of spice. The supple,
yet solid tannins wrap the palate in soft fruit layers of
red plums, cherry, and currants, with notes of fresh cracked
pepper mingling beneath. Pair this excellent wine with a
dry-aged prime rib eye roast with truffle oil and rosemary.
At $30, this bottle is a great value. |
|
Migration
Wines, Anderson Valley, Pinot Noir 2006
Mild temperatures during harvest time allowed the 2006 fruit
to be handpicked by block based on ripeness. Such ideal
conditions resulted in superb fruit for winemaker Zach Rasmuson.
With this excellent harvest, he crafted a fine, dark ruby
wine, with great depth and drinkablitity. Take a moment
to indulge yourself in the bouquet of strawberry, raspberry,
cola, hints of mint, and subtle floral notes that emanate
from the glass. Savor the bright flavors of cherry, spiced
plums, vanilla, and cola as they float across the palate.
This is another fine effort from the Duckhorn company. Enjoy
a bottle now, and save another for the cellar. |
|
TOP
OF PAGE
|
|