The day after Thanksgiving, Mom and I decided to check out Duckhorn’s tasting room, located just north of St. Helena off of Silverado Trail.  Our family has been growers for Duckhorn for many years but I’ve never had the chance to visit.  Our wonderful host Luis gave us a great tasting, it could not have been a more beautiful day and the grounds were absolutely gorgeous. 

As for the wines?  Those were great too!  Duckhorn is most well known for it’s Merlot and Cab.  They just released the 2010 vintages for both.  Luis tasted us through both their more mainstream labels (found in restaurants and wine stores nationwide) as well as the reserve labels which are mostly limited to winery sales and wine club members.  It was fun to taste the 2 variations side by side and pick a favorite. 

As many of you are starting to guess around here, if I’m drinking red wine, it’s most likely a Cab, although I’m trying to expand my horizons!  I particularly like the big bold flavors of a typical Napa Valley Cab and the Monitor Ledge 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon did not disappoint.  Dark and intense black fruit dominate the nose and entry, with light oak and mild tannins giving way to a smooth finish.  A wonderful wine to enjoy now or cellar for the future.