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
Due to the warm winter, precipitation was less than 50% of normal, so we took early steps to prepare for the drought, such as encouraging new shoots, careful management of cover crops, targeted irrigation, and pruning with consideration for the stress on the grapes.
Buds sprout from mid-March to early April and flower in mid-May.
A favourable growing season promoted excellent maturity.
Harvesting began in mid-August with Sauvignon Blanc, quickly followed by Chardonnay and Merlot, with the remaining Bordeaux varieties being completely harvested by October 15th.
The drought resulted in low yields, resulting in small berries and excellent grapes with concentrated flavour.
The white wine has ideal acidity and fresh tropical flavors, while the red wine is incredibly concentrated, with great depth, complexity and juiciness.
Tasting Comments
This lively and attractive Merlot offers aromas of ripe raspberry, American cherry and red currant with hints of cedar from barrel aging and sweet baking spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg.
On the palate, velvety tannins bring out the flavors of red fruits and spices, leading to a long, juicy finish.
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: 2021
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Full-bodied
Main variety: Merlot 86%
Blend: 5% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Syrah, 2% Malbec
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)
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 13.9%
JAN: 669576020357