Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon Review
Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon comes to us from Duckhorn wines in Hopland, California, USA.
According to this wine’s production notes, the varietal composition is 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 4% Zinfandel, 2% Petite Sirah, 2% Syrah and 1% Petit Verdot.
Additionally, Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon was aged in 100% French oak.
As I went through the tasting and review process, the wine presented very similar to a straight Cabernet, but the mild blend did have its affects.
Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Review
From the bottle:
Established more than 30 years ago by legendary vintners Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, our roots run deep at Decoy. From wine to bottle, we craft our wines to the highest standards, only using grapes from exceptional vineyards. Including from our own estate properties.
And additionally, from the production notes:
The 2018 growing season began with a cool winter, and just enough rain to replenish the vineyards. A temperate spring followed by mild weather throughout the summer allowed the grapes to ripen at a very measured pace
I tasted the 2018 vintage of Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon.
Appearance
In the glass, this wine was fairly dark, with a garnet colored meniscus.
A little light did shine through.
Legs were thick and mostly quick falling, with a few stragglers along for the ride.
Aroma
The light to medium intensity aroma was pretty straightforward and typical of a Cabernet, though I did pick up some initial hints of earth and leather.
A few further sniffs also revealed some subtle red fruits, perhaps currant.
There was only the slightest bit of sting in the nose from the alcohol.
Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon alcohol content 13.9% by volume, per the bottle.
Taste
On the palate I picked up a hint of raspberry at the start that morphed into a bit of tartness.
Similar to the aroma, the wine’s flavors were straightforward and very “Cabernet like.”
The wine’s taste definitely softened with some time and air, revealing some subtle black fruits.
I have to say, I did disagree with the production notes’ claim that I’d experience notes of fresh spearmint.
I’ve tasted fresh spearmint and grow it in my back yard… That flavor wasn’t there.
With that said, I want to be clear… Though not overly complex, this wine’s taste was definitely enjoyable!
Mouthfeel and Tannins
While not overly dry, Decoy Cabernet is definitely a dry red with tannins that are noticeable, yet well-managed.
Finish
It’s funny, I’ve been tasting so many red blends lately and their finishes seem to last for hours.
Getting back to an elegant and lightly blended Cabernet such as this one almost caused me to rate this as a short finishing wine.
But in the realm of Cabernet Sauvignon, this one is plenty long-finishing with a nice blend of flavor versus tannins.
Overall Opinion of Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon
Overall, I really enjoyed this lovely Cabernet.
It’s elegant and well-crafted and really reflects what a twenty-dollar Cab should be.
Also, if you want to get the best out of this wine, give it some time to breathe.
Everything softens up nicely and the darker, black fruits that everyone loves these days, make themselves known.
Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon price $19.99 and I picked it up at a popular wine store.
Suggested Food Pairing
This wine would be an obvious complement to a nice Filet Mignon.
Go ahead and treat yourself!
