With 14.3% alcohol, the 1997 Merlot Three Palms Vineyard's dense ruby/purple color is followed by a seamless, fleshy wine with additional power and flavor dimension. Full-bodied, pure, long, and well-balanced, this impressive Merlot possesses the most texture of any Duckhorn offering produced over the last two decades. Tel. (707) 963-7108; Fax (707) 963-7595

Very cedary and dry, this is built more like a Cabernet than a traditional Merlot. Dusty tannins coat the mouth on the finish, reducing its current pleasure but presaging a long life ahead, when the buried black-cherry fruit is sure to come to the fore. Hold for five years and drink til 2010. ——J.C.(6/1/2001)—— 88