Duckhorn Vineyards – Merlot 2016, Stout Vineyard – Napa Valley

The nose is fruity, very finely tight and offers a fine concentration. It reveals notes of liquorice, cassis and small notes of blackberry associated with fine touches of violet, small berries and discreet hints of tobacco leaf. The mouth is fruity, mineral, well-balanced and offers juiciness, a finely acidulous frame and a racy minerality. In the mouth this wine expresses notes of ripe/juicy Boysen berry, juicy/ripe cassis and small notes of violet associated with touches of small black berries as well as fine hints of cornflower, liquorice stick and very discreet hints of cardamom. Tannins are structuring and racy.