Duckhorn Vineyards

Duckhorn, the house that brought great Merlot to the Napa Valley back in the day (1980s), has also for years been turning out some wonderful Cabernet Sauvignons. With this 2003 from its Patzimaro Vineyard, we have such a wine.

Tasted a couple of months ago and just about ready to be released, the wine is showing chocolate malt and blackberry aromas. On the palate it’s soft and smooth with gorgeous fruit and wonderful balance. Hold it for a year and then see it improve over the following 25 years or so.

Patzimaro is located in the St. Helena appellation at the base of Spring Mountain. The site was named for the town of Patzimaro de Aviña in honor of the Hurtado Family, an important part of the Duckhorn Vineyards winemaking team since ‘87. The vines are 14 years old.

The wine was aged for 1½ years in 100 percent new French oak. The listed alcohol is 14.5 percent and there were 428 cases made.

This Cabernet was also selected as an Appellation Signature Wine by a panel of St. Helena winemakers in an Appellation Discovery tasting on June 22, 2006.

Reviewed September 15, 2006 by Alan Goldfarb.

Other Awards & Accolades

AppellationAmerica - "Appellation Signature" selection

Intense, dark, bright color. Very delicate. Slightly dry in character but youthful, minerality, with good balance. Cola, pomegranate, almost port-like (but) with good acid structure. Well-integrated with fruit spice, cherry and soft tannins. Soft and elegant. It’s young now but will mature nicely.
(St. Helena Appellation Discovery Tasting: June 22, 2006)