Powerful, rich and complex, with a refined mix of currant, dark cherry and plum tart flavors backed by suave, medium-grained tannins. Well-defined slate and loamy notes stretch out nicely on the finish, with black olive hints. Drink now through 2027.

Taking its accustomed place among the very best Merlots of the vintage, Duckhorn’s iconic Three Palms bottling is, once again, a near-succulent effort that is generously appointed with beautifully focused, optimally ripened, black cherries, but deep fruit is only one part of its appeal, and its layered, sweet oak and loamy soil complexities along with its impeccable structure and balance impart a degree of seriousness that separates it from the pack. While so rich as to tempt early drinking, this is a cellar-worthy Merlot that is destined to evolve famously for years, and there is simply no questioning its ability to become ever more involving as the next decade unfolds.

The three palms at this vineyard line the valley floor at a seam of rocks between St. Helena and Calistoga. That rocky soil has proven to be a great medium for the roots of merlot vines, allowing them to ripen cool fruit in the midst of a hot place. This 2017 is luscious, layering high tones of strawberries with darker depths of black cherries and herbs. Its richness would be delicious with rare filet mignon.