89 Joe Czerwinski - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Aged in 40% new French oak, Duckhorn's 2019 Merlot comes across as slightly dry and cedary at first; give it a bit of time in the glass—or in a decanter—and more black cherries emerge, wrapped in mocha-tinged, loamy notes. It's medium to full-bodied, smooth and silky in feel, with a reasonably elegant finish.