Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon

Overview
Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon delivers reliable, everyday appeal as the accessible second label from Napa's Duckhorn Vineyards, drawing fruit primarily from Sonoma County for a fruit-forward California red suited to casual sipping and meals.

Specs at a glance

Good to know
Founded in 1976 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, the parent Duckhorn Vineyards pioneered premium Napa Merlot, with Decoy established as its value-driven counterpart. Unlike the elevated Limited series sourced from Napa AVAs like Rutherford and Stags Leap, standard Decoy Cabernet emphasizes approachable quality from broader California sourcing at around $20 pricing.

Tasting notes

• Nose: Expect classic dark fruit aromas aligned with Sonoma Cabernet profiles, building on brand consistency.
• Palate: Ripe berry flavors with balanced structure, reflecting the line's focus on refreshment over intensity.
• Finish: Smooth and approachable, lingering softly without excess weight.

Notable details

• Production: Larger-scale release contrasting Limited editions, with fruit from Sonoma County for everyday volume.
• Lineage: Second label to Duckhorn Vineyards, Napa's trailblazing estate from 1976.
• Comparison: Steps below Decoy Limited Napa releases in prestige and sourcing but holds steady as core value play.
• Availability: Widely distributed standard bottling, unlike scarcer Limited runs of 30,000 cases.

"Standard Decoy wines are everyday options priced $20 to $25, produced on larger scale with fruit from Sonoma County and other California regions." – VinePair

Closing
A straightforward Sonoma Cabernet for reliable weeknight pours, embodying Decoy's mission of quality without pretension.

Sources

[1] Vinepair – "Decoy ‘Limited’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, Napa Valley, Calif."