Duckhorn 2006 Merlot Napa Valley

WN 96pts. - Black-garnet hue. Lovely mixed aromas of blueberry, raspberry and kirsch. A rush of black cherry fruit on entry laced with flinty mineral accents and fine-grain, youthful tannins. Creamy fruit marks the finish. Taut in structure and cellar-worthy. A prime example of power and finesse: classic Napa fruit, true to its varietal character, crafted into a memorable, prototype Merlot. According to Winemaker Bill Nancarrow on the development of the 2006 Merlots in the cellar: The aromatics were beautiful. It was all there - the dark cherry, plum and spice. Just smelling it, I knew the 2006 Merlots were going to be great. The resulting wines are big and structured. They sit in the mouth and offer lovely intensity and lingering flavors.