Duckhorn Vineyards
Duckhorn Winery, the specialist of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot in Napa Valley
Duckhorn Vineyards is a winery in Napa Valley founded by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn in 1976. It was after visiting the Bordeaux vineyards (Saint-Emilion, Pomerol) in the 1970s that this couple of wine lovers decided to create a property in California with only the Bordeaux varietals. This trip also created a passion for Merlot. Once back in California they would create the vineyard of Duckhorn. They planted mostly Merlot. They focused on the development of 100% Merlot which made them pioneers of 100% Merlot wine in Napa Valley. This and Cabernet Sauvignon were the first two vines planted by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn. These two varieties have become the specialties of the property. The first vintage produced was the Duckhorn 1978 with 800 cases and 800 cases of Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon. In 1982 the property produced it’s first white wine (Sauvignon Blanc). In 1988 Mr and Mrs Duckhorn bought several Napa Valley vineyards to ensure the supply of good quality grapes in different soils in Napa Valley. Thus gradually the property grew acquiring new vineyards in Napa valley (Howell Mountain, , Yountville, , St. Helena …) but also in Sonoma. Today Duckhorn Vineyards has six brands (Duckhorn Vineyards, Paraduxx, Goldeneye, Migration, Canvasback and Decoy) and produces more than 80,000 cases (480,000 bottles) per year. The wines are being sold in the United States and in over twenty countries.
” I liked the softness, the seductiveness, the color… the fact that it went with a lot of different foods; it wasn’t so bold, didn’t need to age so long, and it had this velvety texture to it. It seemed to me to be a wonderful wine to just enjoy. I became enchanted with Merlot.” (Dan Duckhorn)
Duckhorn Vineyards produces many wines that make it world renowned, the most famous of them is the Cuvée “The Discussion“.
The Discussion is a premium wine created for the first time in 2006. It is produced from the finest grapes from six vineyards in Napa Valley. It is the result of a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (mostly), Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
“Proud of this wine we want to continue to produce it by going even further in the search for quality. We produce it only when the quality of the vintage allows. Currently we are basically in our fifth vintage. “(Belinda Weber, Director, Digital Trade & Consumer Marketing)
The wines produced in Napa Valley by Duckhorn Vineyards are fruity complex blends of more than 200 lots of wine from 6 vineyards but also of great work on the barrel. Duckhorn Vineyards work with thirteen different coopers, 25 different varieties of oak and four different types of heaters. All this allows them to obtain their consistent qualities, a nice diversity in their range and complexity.
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Focus on Renee Ary, winemaker / oenologist Duckhorn Vineyards
In 2014 Renee Ary became the fourth oenologist Duckhorn. This talented woman began her career in the early 2000s at Robert Mondavi Winery in 2003 and then joined the team of Mark Beringer at Duckhorn. In 11-years career at the property she went through all positions and in 2014 was named “winemaker” Duckhorn.
“It’s important to approach a role like this with humility… and with the knowledge that I am a part of an ongoing story—that I am contributing to the legacy of a great winery, and building on the work of the talented people who laid the foundation for excellence.” (Renee Ary, winemaker of Duckhorn)
If you have to describe the Duckhorn property in a few words, what would you say?
“Authentic, high quality and memorable” (Belinda Weber, Director, Digital Trade & Consumer Marketing)
What can recognize Duckhorn wine tasting?
“These are balanced wines, precisely focused and offers a lovely purity of fruit. They do not have a high alcohol. These are wines that are undoubtedly more elegant and perhaps less powerful than other wines of the Napa Valley. Our wines reflect the terroir, the places from where they originate.
As for the white wines we are specialists in Sauvignon Blanc.
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At Duckhorn we believe that great wines always begin in the vineyard. The terroir, the fruit quality and breeding work are put into practice here. We are trying to better understand the specificities and needs of our different soils and microclimates. We have a piecemeal approach, an artisanal approach.
The seven estate vineyards allow us to benefit from different profiles of wine and grapes for the elaboration of our wines, giving their complexity. “(Belinda Weber, Director, Digital Trade & Consumer Marketing)
As for me I would say it is harmonious wine, nicely sweet, ‘net / precise’ (clean), complex and which offers good terms and juicy fruits. The contributions of the barrel are always well mastered.
Do you have plans for Duckhorn Winery ?
“Yes we have. We just just bought ‘Three Palms Vineyards’ and would like to pull some vines and replant. It is a lovely land with good potential.
We would also like to produce a second vintage of our natural Chardonnay. “(Belinda Weber, Director, Digital Trade & Consumer Marketing)
Side story:
The Duckhorn team is very proud to know that their Sauvignon Blanc 2014 and the 2008 Reserve were served to Barack Obama during an official dinner at the White House.
Thanks to Belinda Weber for his warm welcome.
Choukroun Chicheportiche Jonathan
Duckhorn Vineyards
1000 Lodi Ln, St Helena,
CA 94574, USA
+1 707-963-7108
