A classic Napa Valley Merlot, produced since 1978, Duckhorn's 2020 Merlot offers up scents of black cherries, thyme and mocha. It's medium to full-bodied but lacks a bit of richness on the mid-palate, then turns slightly coarse and rustic on the finish. Drink it young.

Aged in 40% new French oak, Duckhorn's 2019 Merlot comes across as slightly dry and cedary at first; give it a bit of time in the glass—or in a decanter—and more black cherries emerge, wrapped in mocha-tinged, loamy notes. It's medium to full-bodied, smooth and silky in feel, with a reasonably elegant finish.

Among the five Merlot cuvees, the least expensive is the 2010 Merlot Napa. Chunky, fleshy red and dark fruits jump from the glass of this dark ruby/plum-colored wine. It possesses good purity, attractive fruit and a spicy, long finish. This seductive Merlot should drink well for 8-10 years. The iconic flagship wine that began Duckhorn’s success in 1978 is the Merlot Three Palms Vineyard, one of the first single vineyard Merlots produced, and no doubt an inspiration for the Merlot boom in the 1980s. This has always been one of the benchmark wines for this varietal. Tel. (866) 367-9945

Shows the soft, mellow feeling a fine Merlot should possess, although it’s certainly tannic enough, in the Duckhorn style. However, the tannins are intricate and accessible, and frame lush cherry, red currant, licorice and cinnamon spice flavors. Hard to resist now, and should hold over the next four years.——S.H.(12/15/2011)—— 92