Duckhorn Vineyards Rector Creek Merlot 2020

Duckhorn Vineyards Rector Creek Merlot 2020

 

Zoom Mouse over image to zoom
Duckhorn Vineyards
Rector Creek Merlot 2020
  • Vintage : 2020
  • Country : USA
  • Region : California
  • Subregion : Napa
  • Type : Red
  • Style : Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14,5°
  • Grappes : 99% Merlot, 1% Cabernet Sauvignon

A benchmark expression of Napa Valley Merlot, this wine reveals the finesse and depth of Duckhorn's estate vineyard with plush fruit, seamless structure, and refined elegance.

Experts Score Vintage
WS Wine Spectator 91 2018
WE Wine Enthusiast 91 2018
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

Rector Creek Vineyard lies just north of Yountville, along Napa Valley's famed Silverado Trail, in a cooler subzone shaped by marine influences from San Pablo Bay. This unique location delivers an extended growing season that allows Merlot to develop full phenolic ripeness while retaining acidity and aromatic clarity. The cooling afternoon breezes act as a natural regulator, moderating the warm Californian sun and encouraging a balanced ripening curve.

The vineyard's soils are composed primarily of rocky alluvial deposits, providing excellent drainage and low fertility. These conditions naturally limit vine vigor, concentrating the fruit and enhancing tannin structure. Duckhorn's farming practices emphasize sustainability and precision, with detailed clonal selections and canopy management strategies tailored to each block. The result is Merlot that is both structured and expressive, consistently showing depth, finesse, and a strong sense of place. This site has become a cornerstone for Duckhorn's single-vineyard program, reflecting the estate's enduring belief in the potential of Merlot in Napa Valley.

Winemaking

The 2020 vintage was shaped by a mild spring and summer that allowed for gradual ripening and a focused harvest strategy. Grapes were picked before the peak of wildfire events, following rigorous quality assessments. The blend is composed of 99% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced entirely from estate-grown fruit.

Fermentation was conducted in stainless steel tanks with gentle pump-overs to extract color and fine tannins without over-extraction. The wine was aged for 18 months in 100% French oak, of which 75% was new and 25% neutral. The use of high-quality oak adds layers of texture and complexity while respecting the wine's varietal character. Bottled at 14.5% alcohol, the wine exhibits structure, depth, and a luxurious mouthfeel, with ample freshness to age gracefully.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Deep garnet with violet hues, youthful and saturated at the core.
  • Aroma: Inviting aromas of black cherry, raspberry, red plum, and wild strawberry, intertwined with notes of dark chocolate, allspice, and a hint of mocha.
  • Palate: Silky and polished, with red berry and plum flavors gliding over velvety tannins. Accents of cocoa, cedar, and baking spice add detail to the mid-palate, leading to a long, elegant finish with freshness and poise.

Did you know?

Duckhorn Vineyards has been a leading advocate for Merlot since its founding in 1976, long before the varietal regained its prestige. Rector Creek is one of the few Napa vineyards where Merlot consistently rivals Cabernet Sauvignon in complexity and aging potential. Its distinct microclimate, rocky soils, and clonal diversity make it a signature site in Duckhorn's portfolio.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Duck breast with cherry-port reduction: The wine's red fruit core and plush texture mirror the dish's richness and acidity.
  • Beef Wellington: The wine's supple tannins and spice-inflected finish pair beautifully with the savory pastry and tenderloin.
  • Porcini mushroom risotto: The earthy umami complements the wine's velvety mouthfeel and dark fruit nuances.
  • Aged Comté cheese: Nutty, firm cheeses elevate the wine's round texture and subtle oak character.

History of Duckhorn Vineyards Estate

Duckhorn Vineyards was founded in 1976 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn. Inspired by their travels to the Bordeaux region of France, particularly the Right Bank areas of St. Emilion and Pomerol, Dan and Margaret envisioned producing top-tier wines in Napa Valley. They saw potential in Merlot, a grape often overshadowed by Cabernet Sauvignon in the United States. Their inaugural vintage in 1978, which included 800 cases each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, was met with immediate acclaim, marking the beginning of Duckhorn’s prestigious journey.

Dan Duckhorn’s passion for Merlot stemmed from his belief in its approachability, versatility with food, and its capacity to produce wines of remarkable depth and complexity. This focus on Merlot was revolutionary at the time and positioned Duckhorn Vineyards as a trailblazer in the American wine industry. Over the years, the estate expanded its vineyard holdings and built a reputation for meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering quality.

Under the leadership of Tom Rinaldi, Duckhorn’s first winemaker, the winery established a robust winemaking philosophy centered around blending wines from various vineyard blocks to enhance complexity and balance. This tradition continues today, ensuring that every bottle of Duckhorn wine reflects the unique terroirs of Napa Valley.

Duckhorn Vineyards

Region and Vineyards

Duckhorn Vineyards’ estate vineyards are strategically spread across Napa Valley and the renowned slopes of Howell Mountain. These vineyards are meticulously managed to bring out the best characteristics of each terroir, contributing to the complexity and depth of Duckhorn’s wines.

The Napa Valley vineyards benefit from a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This climate, combined with diverse soil types including gravelly loam and volcanic ash, provides ideal conditions for growing a variety of grapevines. The valley floor vineyards, with their alluvial fans and well-draining soils, produce grapes with concentrated flavors and balanced acidity.

Howell Mountain, situated above the fog line, enjoys more consistent sunlight and cooler temperatures, resulting in a longer growing season. The rocky soils of Howell Mountain stress the vines, leading to smaller berries with intense flavors and robust tannins. These unique conditions contribute to the production of powerful, age-worthy wines.

Duckhorn Vineyards also sources grapes from other prestigious appellations within Napa Valley, such as Rutherford and Oakville, known for their distinctive microclimates and soil compositions. This diversity allows Duckhorn to craft wines that are rich, layered, and expressive of their origins.

Duckhorn's Napa Valley Estate Vineyard Portfolio

  • Three Palms Vineyard is emblematic for Duckhorn, known for its exceptional Merlot. Located in the Calistoga appellation, this 73.66-acre vineyard is covered in volcanic stones that absorb and release heat, promoting optimal grape ripening. The varied soils, including Bale Loam and Cortina Very Stony Loam, contribute to the complexity of the wines produced here.
  • Marlee’s Vineyard, located in St. Helena, covers 16.43 acres and is bordered by the Napa River. This vineyard is ideal for Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, thanks to its rich, well-drained sandy loam soils. The grapes grown here are essential to the production of Duckhorn's white wines.
  • Stout Vineyard on Howell Mountain spans 35.45 acres at an altitude of 2,080 feet. The old vines of Cabernet Sauvignon, some of the oldest on the estate, produce grapes with rare complexity, influenced by the Aiken and Boomer-Forward-Felta Complex loamy soils.
  • Monitor Ledge Vineyard, located in Calistoga, covers 36.88 acres. Planted on the alluvial fan of Selby Creek, this vineyard features gravelly and sandy soils that drain quickly, promoting intense and structured grapes.
  • Rector Creek Vineyard, adjacent to the Paraduxx winery, is located along the Silverado Trail in Yountville. This 34.78-acre site is characterized by rocky alluvial soils, producing wines with abundant notes of dark red fruits.
  • Patzimaro Vineyard in St. Helena, named in honor of the Hurtado family, covers 14.81 acres. Situated at the base of Spring Mountain, it benefits from high daytime temperatures and cool night breezes, producing balanced and elegantly structured wines.
  • Cork Tree Vineyard in Napa is the southernmost and coolest vineyard on the estate. The 15.02-acre site, named after a majestic cork tree, produces sophisticated and well-structured wines, ideal for Merlot.
  • El Veredicto Vineyard in the Los Carneros region of Napa Valley is ideal for Burgundian varieties. The Haire clay soils and the cool climate influenced by San Pablo Bay produce high-quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wines.
  • Wolfe Vineyard in St. Helena, covering 13.12 acres, has been producing high-quality Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon for over 15 years. The climate and loamy soils of this vineyard are perfect for cultivating world-class grapes.

Wine Range

Duckhorn Vineyards offers a diverse portfolio of wines, each showcasing the unique characteristics of the Napa Valley terroir. The estate is particularly celebrated for its Merlot, which remains a cornerstone of their production. Duckhorn’s Merlot wines are known for their lush, velvety texture, vibrant fruit flavors, and sophisticated structure.

In addition to Merlot, Duckhorn produces outstanding Cabernet Sauvignon, characterized by its bold, dark fruit flavors, firm tannins, and excellent aging potential. Their Sauvignon Blanc is crisp and refreshing, with bright acidity and notes of citrus and tropical fruits. The winery also crafts Bordeaux-style blends, combining Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and other traditional varieties to create complex, harmonious wines.

The Three Palms Vineyard Merlot, one of Duckhorn’s flagship wines, has garnered significant acclaim and is considered one of the finest examples of Merlot in the world. This vineyard’s unique soil and microclimate contribute to the wine’s rich, concentrated flavors and exceptional aging potential.

Did you know?

Duckhorn Vineyards was instrumental in the revival of Merlot in the American wine market. At a time when Merlot was often relegated to blending, Duckhorn’s commitment to producing high-quality, varietal Merlot helped elevate its status and popularity among wine enthusiasts and critics alike. This pioneering spirit has earned Duckhorn a place among Napa Valley’s most respected and influential wineries.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 91 Points (2018)
Sleek and steely, with graphite accents to dried red berry flavors that are backed by firm tannins. Notes of savory richness on the taut finish. (KM)

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 91 Points (2018)
This bold, lush wine has baked fruit flavors of plum and dark cherry, supplemented by plush tannins and strong notes of toasted oak. Accents of tobacco, clove and cinnamon round it out and add length and complexity. (VB)

Duckhorn Vineyards The Discussion Red 2019
Duckhorn Vineyards The Discussion Red 2019
Duckhorn Vineyards
The Discussion Red 2019
RP
93
JS
96
JD
92
Duckhorn Vineyards The Discussion is a prestigious Bordeaux-style red blend that epitomizes the pinnacle of Duckhorn Vineyards' winemaking excellence. This wine is a sophisticated blend of varietals from diverse Napa Valley vineyards, embodying depth, complexity, and the ongoing dialogue that defines great winemaking.
190,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Duckhorn Vineyards Three Palms Vineyard Merlot 2021
Duckhorn Vineyards Three Palms Vineyard Merlot 2021
Duckhorn Vineyards
Three Palms Vineyard Merlot 2021
JS
91
JS
95
WS
94
The Duckhorn Vineyards Three Palms Merlot is a highly sought-after Napa Valley Merlot, known for its elegance, complex bouquet of red fruit and spice, and a well-balanced palate with approachable tannins.
135,00 €
Quantity : moins plus
Duckhorn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Duckhorn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Duckhorn Vineyards
Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
WS
90
JS
92
JD
90
The Duckhorn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to the legacy and expertise of Duckhorn Vineyards, a winery renowned for producing exceptional wines since 1978. This wine perfectly embodies the complexity of Napa Valley, offering a seamless balance of fruit, oak, and tannins.
89,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Wine regions guide
115,00 €
Quantity : Moins     Plus
 
 
We also suggest...
USA
92 James Suckling
Duckhorn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
Duckhorn Vineyards Rector Creek Merlot 2020
The Duckhorn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is a testament to the legacy and expertise of Duckhorn Vineyards, a winery renowned for producing exceptional wines since 1978. This wine perfectly embodies the complexity of Napa Valley, offering a seamless balance of fruit, oak, and tannins.
Rector Creek Merlot 2020
89,90 €
USA
92 Wine Spectator
Hess Lion Tamer Blend 2018
Hess Rector Creek Merlot 2020
Hess Lion Tamer Red Blend is a bold and complex red wine from Napa Valley, California. It is known for its tamed tannins and rich, fruity profile.
Rector Creek Merlot 2020
65,00 €
Italy
98 Robert Parker
Castello di Ama L'Apparita 2019
Castello di Ama Rector Creek Merlot 2020
Castello di Ama L’Apparita 2019 is a Tuscan icon, celebrated as the first single-varietal Merlot in Italy, delivering unmatched elegance, depth, and finesse.
Rector Creek Merlot 2020
315,00 €
USA
95 Robert Parker
Cristom Jessie Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
Cristom Rector Creek Merlot 2020
Cristom Jessie Vineyard Pinot Noir is a masterpiece of structure and elegance, combining vibrant red fruit, floral aromatics, and earthy complexity from one of the most distinctive sites in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA.
Rector Creek Merlot 2020
97,90 €
Australia
98 Robert Parker
Penfolds Yattarna Chardonnay 2021
Penfolds Rector Creek Merlot 2020
A pinnacle of Penfolds' white winemaking, Yattarna 2021 is a masterfully composed Chardonnay that bridges precision, elegance, and restrained power.
Rector Creek Merlot 2020
180,00 €
USA
98 Robert Parker
Occidental Freestone Occidental Pinot Noir 2022
Occidental Rector Creek Merlot 2020
Occidental Freestone-Occidental Pinot Noir is an elegant and expressive Pinot Noir, crafted by Occidental, the renowned project of Steve Kistler, showcasing the terroir of the Sonoma Coast with vibrant red fruit, refined tannins, and a lingering mineral finish.
Rector Creek Merlot 2020
109,00 €