Duckhorn Vineyards - Three Palms Vineyard

The vineyard's name originates from the three majestic palm trees that once stood prominently on the property, serving as a landmark and a symbol of the unique character of the site. These palms, though now gone, remain an integral part of the vineyard's identity and legacy, evoking a sense of place and history.

Three Palms Vineyard, a cornerstone of Duckhorn Vineyards, boasts a rich history deeply intertwined with the story of Napa Valley winemaking. While Duckhorn Vineyards itself was founded in 1976 with a focus on Merlot, Three Palms quickly became recognized as a source of exceptional fruit, contributing significantly to Duckhorn's early success and establishing their reputation for crafting world-class Merlot.

Duckhorn Vineyards recognized the immense potential of the Three Palms Vineyard early on, and its commitment to showcasing the vineyard's distinct terroir has been unwavering. This dedication has resulted in a consistently acclaimed Merlot that has garnered numerous accolades and cemented Three Palms' place among Napa Valley's most celebrated vineyards.

The Calistoga AVA experiences significant diurnal temperature variations, with warm days and cool nights. This temperature swing allows the grapes to ripen fully while retaining their acidity and developing complex aromatics. The warm climate is particularly well-suited for Merlot, allowing it to reach optimal maturity and express its full potential.

Located in the warmer Calistoga AVA of Napa Valley, Three Palms Vineyard benefits from a unique combination of soil, climate, and topography that contributes to the exceptional quality of its Merlot grapes. The vineyard's gravelly, well-drained soils stress the vines, resulting in lower yields and intensely flavored fruit.

The vineyard management practices at Three Palms are meticulously tailored to the specific needs of the site, with a focus on sustainable farming methods. This includes careful canopy management, precise irrigation techniques, and minimal intervention to allow the vineyard's natural character to shine through in the wines.

The flagship wine of Three Palms Vineyard is, undoubtedly, the Three Palms Vineyard Napa Valley Merlot. This wine is renowned for its rich, complex flavors, velvety tannins, and elegant structure. It consistently receives high scores from wine critics and is considered one of the benchmark Merlots of the world.

The Three Palms Merlot typically undergoes extended aging in French oak barrels, which adds subtle notes of vanilla, spice, and toast to the wine's already complex profile. The wine is then bottled and aged further before release, ensuring that it is ready to be enjoyed upon purchase.

Duckhorn's winemaking philosophy emphasizes minimal intervention, allowing the inherent qualities of the Three Palms fruit to express themselves fully. The grapes are carefully hand-sorted and fermented in small lots, with gentle extraction techniques used to preserve the wine's delicate aromas and flavors.

While Three Palms Vineyard itself isn't typically open to the public for tours, visitors can experience the essence of Three Palms at the Duckhorn Portfolio tasting room located at 1000 Lodi Ln, St. Helena, CA 94574. Here, guests can sample the acclaimed Three Palms Merlot and other exceptional wines from the Duckhorn Portfolio.

During your visit, you can learn about the history of Duckhorn Vineyards, the unique terroir of Three Palms Vineyard, and the winemaking techniques that contribute to the exceptional quality of their wines. The tasting room provides a welcoming and informative environment for wine enthusiasts of all levels.

The Duckhorn Portfolio offers a variety of tasting experiences, ranging from casual walk-in tastings to more in-depth, seated tastings led by knowledgeable wine educators. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season.

Three Palms Vineyard has established a lasting legacy as one of Napa Valley's most iconic vineyards, consistently producing Merlot of exceptional quality and character. Duckhorn Vineyards remains committed to preserving the vineyard's heritage and continuing its tradition of excellence.

The enduring appeal of Three Palms Vineyard lies in its ability to capture the essence of Napa Valley terroir and translate it into a wine that is both elegant and powerful. It is a testament to the dedication of the people who tend the vines and craft the wines, and a symbol of the enduring quality of Napa Valley winemaking.

The future of Three Palms Vineyard looks bright, with ongoing investments in sustainable farming practices and innovative winemaking techniques. Duckhorn Vineyards is dedicated to ensuring that Three Palms continues to be a source of world-class Merlot for generations to come.