Today we share one of the outstanding value brands out of California. Decoy wines is the brainchild of Dan and Margaret Duckhorn who created this portfolio of wines to appeal to a wider range of customers. Not everyone can afford 80 dollar Merlot and the Duckhorns sought to place their product for the value-driven grocery store crowd that seeks an outstanding wine for any night of the week. Decoy as a brand began back in 1985 and then much later in 2007 the new label came out as the brand soon expanded to produce Zinfandel as well as a red blend. 2020 brought the Decoy Limited collection of wines which I recently reviewed.
For the past several years I have been impressed with the increase in quality in their entry level wines. These are wines that have become synonymous with value — which can be extremely difficult to find in California. I love the new 2021 Decoy ‘Sonoma Coast Limited’ Chardonnay (OB, 91) which is very ripe but also shows good nuance from this salty climate. Learn more about these excellent values at decoywines.com and here are my reviews of the new Decoy wines.
NV Decoy ‘Limited’ Brut Rose- Crushed white wildflowers combine with kumquat rind, red currants and tart raspberry flavors on the palate. Showing a soft mousse this is a really good value at 35 bucks. Drink 2023-2029- 90
2021 Decoy ‘Sonoma Coast Limited’ Pinot Noir- This is really forward and delicious stuff with bright cherry pie and cola notes on the palate alongside bright acidity. Drink 2023-2028- 90
2021 Decoy ‘Sonoma Coast Limited’ Chardonnay- The really good 2021 Decoy ‘Sonoma Coast Limited’ Chardonnay is ripe with mango, buttered popcorn and juicy pear flavors, with light salty undertones. This is really good stuff for the price. Drink 2023-2028- 91
2021 Decoy ‘Alexander Valley Limited’ Merlot- A touch sweet, this 2021 Merlot shows ripe red cherry and black plum flavors that combine with bright acidity on the palate. Enjoy this good value now and over the next few years. Drink 2023-2028- 89
2021 Decoy ‘Alexander Valley Limited’ Cabernet Sauvignon- Really good for the price, the 2021 Decoy ‘Alexander Valley Limited’ Cabernet Sauvignon offers generous concentration on the mouth, with a smooth texture. Ripe blackberry and black cherry flavors mingle with hints of coffee grounds on the palate. Drink 2023-2028- 90