Cabernet Sauvignon (1985)
SommeliAI Insights
A rich and complex Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with deep fruit flavors and elegant structure.
About this wine
The 1985 Duckhorn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley presents a deep, concentrated bouquet of ripe currant and cedar, leading to flavors of currants, raspberries, and tobacco. This wine is elegantly built, complex, and long, with a firm structure and crisp, juicy tannins that offer great potential for aging. Duckhorn Vineyards, founded in 1976, has been producing Cabernet Sauvignon since 1978, blending fruit from estate vineyards and top Napa Valley growers to create wines that embody the complexity of the valley. The 1985 vintage is a testament to their commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
About the grape
In the 1985 Duckhorn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, the primary grape is Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its thick skins and small berries, which contribute to the wine's deep color and robust tannins. Merlot, often used to soften the structure of Cabernet Sauvignon, adds plushness and ripe fruit flavors. Cabernet Franc introduces aromatic complexity with notes of herbs and red fruits, while Petit Verdot, though used in smaller amounts, enhances the wine's color and adds subtle floral and spice elements. This blend reflects Duckhorn's commitment to crafting balanced and age-worthy wines by combining these traditional Bordeaux varietals.
Quick facts
- 🍷 The 1985 Duckhorn Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot, showcasing the winery's commitment to crafting complex Bordeaux-style wines.
- 🏞️ Duckhorn Vineyards, founded in 1976 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, was among the first Napa Valley wineries to focus on Merlot, helping to elevate its status in the U.S. wine market.
- 🏆 The 1985 vintage received a 91-point rating from Wine Spectator, praised for its deep color, concentrated aromas of ripe currant and cedar, and elegantly built, complex flavors.
- 🍇 Duckhorn Vineyards' inaugural vintage in 1978 produced 800 cases each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, marking the beginning of their legacy in Napa Valley winemaking.
- 🛢️ The 1985 Duckhorn Cabernet Sauvignon was crafted with meticulous attention to detail, including fermentation at 82°F for 10-12 days and aging for 16 months in 100% French oak barrels, half of which were new.
Palate profile
Producer
Duckhorn Vineyards, founded in 1976 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, is renowned for pioneering luxury Merlot in Napa Valley. Their inaugural 1978 vintage featured Merlot from the now-iconic Three Palms Vineyard, a site they acquired in 2015. Over the years, Duckhorn expanded its portfolio to include several esteemed wineries, such as Paraduxx, Goldeneye, and Kosta Browne. In 2017, their 2014 Napa Valley Merlot Three Palms Vineyard was honored as Wine Spectator's "Wine of the Year."
