Duckhorn The Discussion 2021
Duckhorn The Discussion 2021 is a dry, full-bodied red from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc (California, United States), in the full, structured reds style. Tannins are firm and acidity fresh; oak influence is noticeable. Good with roast chicken, roast pork, bolognese, steak. Drink within 15 years (to about 2036). Decant for about 1 hour. Critic score 95/100 (merchant-reported).
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gazin 2015 Chateau Gazin · Bordeaux | £114.00 | |||
| Avignonesi 50 & 50 Capannelle 2019 Avignonesi · Tuscany | £107.94 | |||
| Tenuta Sette Ponti, Oreno 2020 Tenuta Sette Ponti · Tuscany | £80.60 | |||
| Edi Simcic Kolos 2021 Edi Simcic · Primorska | £76.44 |
Cellar for up to 15 years. Decant 1 hour before serving. Duckhorn is the culmination of forty years of winemaking and direction by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn who fell in love with Napa Valley, then Merlot, and studied techniques of vinifying it in France and beyond. Their first release was 1978. TSG Consumer Partners took ownership of the company in 2016 but the Duckhorns are very much still involved today. This vintage marks the ten year anniversary of The Discussion, a wine that aims to highlight the expressive diversity of Napa Valley exhibited through Duckhorn’s estate vineyard program. Staying true to the brand’s dedication to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this blend is 55% and 43 % of each, respectively, and features 1% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The near-perfect growing season delivers a wine juicy on the nose — black cherry and wild blueberry — and still bright on the palate. Savory accents of bittersweet chocolate and cardamom follow-up with spice notes owing to 18 months in new French oak. With good structure, The Discussion bears both intensity and grace.