There is that ‘a-ha’ moment when you taste something truly spectacular that you say, yes, this is why I love wine.

We opened a 10-year-old 2011 Duckhorn Three Palms Vineyard Merlot the other evening and with great pleasure that was the reaction. Skeptical of the bottle, though held in perfect condition since its release, the cork immediately disintegrated when I tried to open the bottle.

After a careful strain through a coffee filter and strainer into a Reidel decanter, I poured the first sip to discover silky layers upon layers of black licorice, milk chocolate, dried cherry, and black plum, with just the hint of tertiary earthiness and dried herb. The palate was so soft, inviting, engaging, ethereal.

Though it is difficult to hold a bottle of wine for 10 years, especially a Merlot as the approachable Bordeaux variety is often consumed much earlier than its Cabernet Sauvignon brother, this beauty said thank you, as 10 years proved to be perfect. This bottle will stay in my mind and on my palate for days. #cheers