Ratings & Tasting Notes:

94 points Wine & Spirits

No tasting note found.

92 points Wine Enthusiast

A structured blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot and tiny pinches of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, this barrel-selection wine is sourced from an estate-grown block. It is graceful yet intense, with powerfully integrated tannins and lasting oak that support flavors of black cherry and cassis accented in cedar and clove. It will do well in the cellar; enjoy from 2026–2031. Virginie Boone

Cult Wines International Notes:

The Discussion is the ultra-premium, flagship proprietary red blend from Duckhorn Vineyards, produced exclusively in exceptional vintages using grapes sourced from the very best blocks of the winery’s estate and grower vineyards across Napa Valley. It is crafted as a perfect synthesis of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure and Duckhorn’s signature finesse found in Merlot.

The 2016 Vintage

The 2016 vintage in Napa Valley is lauded as one of the best of the decade, characterized by a near-perfect growing season that allowed for slow, even ripening, resulting in grapes with excellent concentration, mature tannins, and balanced acidity. For The Discussion, this vintage translated into a wine of immense power and precision.

Composition and Style

True to its designation as a proprietary blend, the exact composition of The Discussion varies, but it is typically dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon (providing backbone and structure) and Merlot (contributing softness and elegance), often with supporting roles from Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The wine is aged extensively in new French oak, resulting in a seamlessly integrated and opulent style.

On the nose, the 2016 vintage is known to offer a deep and complex bouquet of black cherry, cassis, plum, and violet, underscored by tertiary notes of dark chocolate, espresso, cedar, and exotic spice. The palate is full-bodied, dense, and layered, displaying supple, yet firm, polished tannins and a wonderfully long, harmonious finish. It is built for the cellar and considered a top-tier collector’s wine, promising decades of graceful evolution.

Bottle Size:

750 mL

Storage History:

Always stored on its side in a climate-controlled cellar.

Condition:

Please note: The bottle shown is the exact bottle being sold.

Outstanding condition.