I love the great values out there in California wine. One of the great 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. They did a remarkable job with their 2020 wines.
I really enjoy the 2022 Decoy ‘Alexander Valley Limited’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 90) which is soft and very approachable right now. Learn more about these excellent values at decoywines.com and here are my reviews of the new Decoy wines.
NV Decoy ‘Brut Rose’ Sparkling Wine- Pretty red rose water combines with orange peel and ripe red fruits on the palate. Lithe, with a smooth mousse, enjoy now and over the next few years. Drink 2024-2028- 90
2022 Decoy ‘Alexander Valley Limited’ Merlot- A touch sweet, this 2022 Merlot offers black tea and blackberry flavors alongside good tension and a smooth mouthfeel. Drink 2024-2029- 89
2022 Decoy ‘Alexander Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The excellent value 2022 Decoy ‘Alexander Valley’ Cabernet Sauvignon delivers herbal tones alongside ripe dark fruits with chocolate on the palate. Medium-bodied, enjoy over the next few years. Drink 2024-2029- 90