Decoy's premium cuvée "Decoy Limited". A long-awaited premium cuvée of their specialty Merlot. Selected high-quality grapes carefully selected from Sonoma's contracted farmers. Aged for 14 months in French barrels (40% new barrels). The ripe red berries have a gorgeous aroma, and the nuances of sweet spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg from the barrel aging are pleasant, and the supple tannins give a long aftertaste.
Decoy's premium cuvée "Decoy Limited" to be released by VTG in 2018
Decoy was launched in 1985 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn as the second wine of Duckhorn Vineyards.
The company then expanded its own vineyards in Sonoma, and Decoy's grape suppliers shifted to Sonoma's finest vineyards, and today it also includes suppliers from cool, high-quality coastal areas, from Anderson Valley to Monterey.
Decoy's unchanging policy is "Reputation for delivering great quality at a remarkable price."
Finally, they have released the premium cuvée Decoy Limited following the same policy.
Vintage Information
The 2022 Alexander Valley growing season was similar to 2021. Summer was light with little rain and warm daytime temperatures. However, the cool nights allowed Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to combine lively tropical fruit and citrus flavors while maintaining ideal acidity. The red wine varieties produced average yields and well-balanced grapes. There were four very hot days in early September, followed by three busy weeks of harvest, and as October approached, rain was in the forecast, so we squeezed out the last of our strength to complete the harvest. Overall, the quality of 2022 was very high, with white wines showing beautiful brightness and energetic citrus and stone fruit flavors, and red wines showing intensity, concentrated dark berry flavors, and round, silky tannins.
Tasting Comments
A rich and seductive Merlot with aromas of ripe blueberries, raspberry jam, truffle chocolate, and sweet spices from toasted oak. On the palate, the silky, rich texture enhances the sumptuous dark berry flavors, smoothly leading to a long finish with hints of blackberry pie and pepper.
Field Information
Grapes sourced from select contract vineyards in Alexander Valley
Alexander Valley: Sonoma County's largest AVA (American Viticulture Area), stretching 35 km in length and 3.2 km in width.
It is bordered by the Russian River on the west side and the Mayacamas Mountains on the east side.
The mild climate, ideal soil composition and gently rolling hills make the region perfectly suited to Bordeaux varieties.
Grapes such as Cabernet, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec are harvested in the best conditions, from gentle river terraces to hilly mountain ridges.
Winemaker Dana says, "The soil, elevation, and topography are similar to Napa Valley, but it is located directly west of Napa and is influenced by cool winds from the Pacific coast, resulting in large diurnal fluctuations in temperature. If produced properly, it is one of the best producing areas for Cabernet and Bordeaux varieties in Sonoma County."
Vintage: 2022
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: Merlot 94%
Blend Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon 6%
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
AVA: Alexander Valley
Nested AVAs: Alexander Valley
Vineyards: Selected contract vineyards in Alexander Valley
Winemaker: Dana Epperson
Aging: 14 months in French barrels (40% new barrels)
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.1%
JAN: 669576020357