Duckhorn Vineyards — Attraction in Napa Valley AVA

This was the third winery visited on day 2 out of our 4 magical days in Napa.

Unfortunately this visit was far from the magical experience we anticipated, we were running 10 minutes late since our visit at Joseph Phelps went over, my girlfriend called them to let them know, their response was that after 30 minutes we may lose our spots and they would have to see if there was anything available upon arrival.

We arrived and luckily didn't lose our space, we sat outside with overlooking the nice view, enjoying the nice weather. Our server Jenny was nice and friendly, and were served 5 current vintages.

I must say that all of these wines are good, but I have all of them in my cellar at home, so I didn't want to fly 3,168.4 miles to taste something I'm able to drink at home. I asked Jenny if we could have a taste of the wine of the year and she said that they didn't have a single bottle left... Then I talked to a manager to see if they can pull something out, or at least something older and more exclusive, this guy said that unfortunately they didn't have anything, so Jenny said "let me see what I can do for you" and I was immediately savoring for something good...

Like 10 minutes passed by and we were about to leave since we had another appointment at Merus Wines, when Jenny appeared with 2 glasses she said, "This is xxxxx" and immediately left... There was no explanation given as to the type or year of the wine. I didn't even know what "was so special in those glasses", they seemed annoyed over the request. We wanted to purchase a nice wine bag, but because there was nobody at the register to pay, we left without it.

Despite this tasting being complimentary because of being a member of their club, it was totally unworthy and unmemorable. We paid $30 for a cheese platter that was smaller than others we received free of charge at Alpha Omega and Ovid. I don't see myself returning to this winery, my visits to Napa are too short to be wasted, instead I will keep discovering new and smaller wineries with a more personal touch where I will feel appreciated. I felt as if I was just a number and they didn't value my presence.

To end on another note:

Duckhorn has always been one of my favorite wines, in particular their Merlots, many years ago I was a fan of the Duckhorn Three Palm Merlot, and I believe it was the 2011 vintage which is no secret was a tough one. I joined their wine club over 3 years ago, I have been buying their periodic wine shipments plus many other additional bottles, I can say with confidence that I have spent over $5,000 in Duckhorn wines. When Wine Spectator selected the 2014 Duckhorn Three Palms Merlot as wine of the year I was really happy for them and for the future of Merlot in general, as a funny side story, 3 weeks before that day I was drinking with my friends from a monthly blind tasting and I joked "that I had a Three Palms Merlot inside my wine bag", since many people still remember the movie Sideways, some wine connoisseurs rather stay away from Merlot when matching up with bold, serious wines. So one of the members at the table supported me and said, "I have also drank that wine and I like it a lot". Three weeks after when the news came out I received a call from a good wine friend present that night to apologize!

Just after I hung up with him I called Duckhorn and placed an order of 3 Three Palm Merlot 750ml, 1 Three Palm Merlot 1.5L and another 3.0, plus a few other cheap ones to complete the case and get the discount. When they shipped the wine only 1 of the 3 Three Palm Merlot 750ml arrived. I immediately emailed them and called, I got a reply from Sasha Braden (Membership Manager) implying that my story was fabricated. So I emailed her with all the weights of each package based on FedEx tracking's and the total weight of one of the boxes was at least 9lbs below what it should be if all bottles were in there. They then immediately shipped out the missing bottles, I never got an apology, nor a concession for...

One of the best tasting experiences ever! Here's some breakdown of Duckhorn:

-Appointment based on Weekends and suggested for Weekdays -$30/person = Profolio Tasting (5 Current Release Wines) -$60/person = Estate Tasting (semi-private @ 10am, noon and 2:30pm) -$75/person = Private Tasting (Private, 11AM) *more you pay = more privacy and more estate/reserved wines

After Duckhorn, I've had a change of heart for sit-town, table staffed tasting. Jessica (our hostess) elevated our tasting experience from beginning to end. She was personable and knowledgeable about Duckhorn's history and wines. Their entire tasting room oozes with charm, open windows, and wraparound porches. Instead of being overcrowded and feeling a busy bar, my tasting experience felt like a private tasting instead.

Duckhorn is well known for their Cabernet and Chardonnay, but they also have plenty of Merlot, Cab Franc, Zin-blends, Semillon, Sauvingon Blanc, and Petit Verdot. My FAVS:

2013 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc (Easy everyday sipping wine, Light and Crisp) Winemaker Notes "Both crisp and complex, this lovely Sauvignon Blanc displays enticing aromas of grapefruit, summer melon, lemongrass and lime zest with subtle hints of boxwood and Mandarin orange. Though it is crisp and refreshing from start to finish, there is a richness to the mid-palate that supports the vibrant fruit with a note of flinty minerality adding nuance and depth."

2010 Duckhorn Vineyards Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (So Velvet and Smooth....can I please have more???) *Production Notes Varietal Content 96% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5% Merlot, 1.5% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot Cooperage 100% French oak château-style barrels (60 Gallons) Barrel Aging: 24 Months Age of Barrels: 95% New, 5% Second Vintage *Winemaker Notes "As it is year after year, this is a big, beautifully structured mountain wine that promises to richly reward patient cellaring. On the nose, it offers complex aromas of wild blueberry, bay laurel, pencil lead, menthol and cassis. Youthful mountain tannins add firmness to the palate, while underscoring flavors of ripe cherry, blackberry preserves, black currant, pink peppercorn, wildflowers and holiday spice."

To this day, I'm still tempted to join their Duckhorn's Wine Club. Free shipping if you're a member at Duckhorn, but no discount unless you buy the case. The trick is to mix and match a case with some of their other labels that has a lower price point.

Money Saving Tip: 2 for 1 Coupon avaliable on Winery Finder App.

Thanks Duckhorn, see you soon....till next...

Worst experience ever with Duckhorn.

My job sent me a bottle of wine as a gift for my birthday and I was excited for it. However it was delivered when I was not home, so my girlfriend had to go pick it up from the FedEx office. She brought with her her ID with same address, my mail which showed my name and my address, and the ticket they leave at the door. The FedEx person told her Duckhorn requested no one else but me to pick it up. They end up returning the shipment. When I called “ customer service”Austin talked to me, was very unhelpful. He told me “sorry I have to be vague with you about the options” he said they gave multiple options to my job company, which is most likely a new charge. I explain to him first of all this is my birthday gift, second it was miss communication between Duckhorn and FedEx and not me or the purchaser should be responsible, since I received an email from you saying anyone who is 21 or older can sign and receive the shipment, he said: that’s not our problem we just ship with FedEx or whoever and they deal with it.

I was very frustrated throughout this awful experience and what was supposed to be a fun gift ended up being a ball of frustration and disappointment. Until now I haven’t gotten my bottle of wine, that was bought for my birthday.

Just in case you want to send someone gift and think it will be a cute thing, prepare for the worst experience in your life with your bottle of wine, that you will...