Winemaker Notes
Crafted from their finest blocks and barrels of Estate fruit, the 2018 vintage of The Discussion is rich, radiant and profoundly complex. As it evolves in the glass, enticing aromas of black cherry, red currant and rose petals mingle with sophisticated hints of hazelnut, clove, caramel and fig preserves. On the plush, silky palate, juicy layers of plum, tayberry and chocolate covered blueberries are framed by elegantly structured tannins, with notes of red licorice, mint, maple and sage adding drama and complexity to a long, dynamic finish.
Blend: 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot
Critical Acclaim
All VintagesThe 2018 The Discussion checks in as 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It's a juicy, medium-bodied, elegant red revealing a brilliant perfume of mostly red and blue fruits as well as ample spice, flowers, and subtle herbal nuances. I love its texture, it has ultra-fine tannins, terrific balance, and a great finish. It's one heck of an impressive blend from this estate that will keep for 10-15 years.
A deep but scented nose, with an attractive gravel note added to the aroma profile of blueberries, cassis and plums. Full-bodied and tight on the palate, showing well-crafted tannins that are tight and supportive to the juicy berries and plush oak spices. Long and layered finish.
Lively, with generous cassis bush and sassafras notes leading the way for friendly, polished cassis, plum puree and cherry preserves, with cedar toast asserting itself on the finish. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now.
Founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976, Duckhorn Vineyards has been crafting classic Napa Valley wines for nearly 40 years. This winemaking tradition has grown to include seven meticulously farmed Estate vineyards, located throughout the various microclimates of the Napa Valley. Focused on quality and consistency, these Estate vineyards are an essential element in making wines of distinction. Pioneering and perfecting Merlot as a premium varietal, Duckhorn Vineyards now makes several elegant Merlot and distinctive Cabernet Sauvignon bottlings that showcase its premium vineyard sites. Duckhorn Vineyards has been named one of the “Top 100 Wineries” in the world eight times by Wine & Spirits, and the 2014 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot Three Palms Vineyard was named the “2017 Wine of the Year,” topping Wine Spectator’s annual list of the world’s “Top 100 Wines.”
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.