The 2018 Duckhorn Merlot Three Palms Vineyard is a celebrated selection from the North Coast's Napa appellation, lauded for its elegance and complexity. Crafted predominantly from Merlot, the wine also incorporates small percentages of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec, contributing to its layered profile. This vintage is aged for 18 months in 75% new French oak, imparting a rich oak spice.

Wine Spectator's reviewer, KM, awarded it a score of 94, describing it as "elegantly structured" with "concentrated cherry tart and raspberry pastry flavors." The wine exhibits a "creamy and spice-filled finish," underpinned by firm acidity and tannins, making it suitable for consumption now through 2026.

Decanter offers an even higher praise, with a score of 96, calling it "The Cathedral of Merlots" and highlighting its "resonant and explosive aromas" of black berries, plums, and Chinese five spice. The reviewer emphasizes the wine’s "silken black fruit" and "satiny blueberry" notes, alongside a "lavish oak spice infused with vanilla." The wine's structure and presence are noted as towering, with a drinking window extending to 2035.

Wine Enthusiast's Virginie Boone contributes a score of 92, noting the wine's "intensely layered and powerful" nature. Described as "burly in sage, tobacco and dried herb," the wine's concentration is further reflected in its dark cherry, cacao nib, and toasted oak components. Boone advises that while the wine is tight in its youth, it will significantly benefit from aging, with optimal enjoyment between 2028 and 2033.

In summary, the 2018 Duckhorn Merlot Three Palms Vineyard is a robust and intricate wine, offering a blend of fruit and spice that promises to develop beautifully over time.