This lighter-tasting, vibrant style of Merlot is refreshing to sip. Fresh raspberries and red cherries waft up from the glass before vivid, red fruit flavors hit the palate, freshened by good fruit acidity and light tannins.

Well-knit, if rather taut for the moment, this red offers sturdy black cherry, dried herb and cedar flavors as it gathers tension toward firm tannins. Best from 2024 through 2030. 53,200 cases made.

A classic Napa Valley Merlot, produced since 1978, Duckhorn's 2020 Merlot offers up scents of black cherries, thyme and mocha. It's medium to full-bodied but lacks a bit of richness on the mid-palate, then turns slightly coarse and rustic on the finish. Drink it young.