Duckhorn versus Decoy

Duckhorn Vineyards in Napa Valley California has always been a favorite of mine. Having visited many years ago, the tasting room, cellars, and the vineyard itself is so impressive. Their Merlot is the most notable of their wines, but all of their wines are top rated and delicious. If you've ever seen the Decoy brand wines and thought they might be related to Duckhorn, then you were right. The first Decoy wine was a red blend made at the Duckhorn Vineyards in Napa in 1985. Through the progression, the Duckhorn family decided to buy land in Sonoma for further grape production and acquired the renowned Ridgeline Vineyard in the Alexander Valley appellation in 2012 and the Brownell Vineyard a year later—Sonoma County’s best region for growing Bordeaux varietals.  From here on out, the Decoy name having been made in the same fashion as the Napa grapes have been produced, bottled, and enjoyed by millions of wine enthusiasts around the world. One great thing about the Decoy wines is that they can be enjoyed for half the price of the Duckhorn wines. The Decoy wines are made to be enjoyed sooner on release, whereas the Duckhorn wines are made to age, creating more value. The Duckhorn wines are usually kept longer in the aging process prior to release which will often increase the price. 

Duckhorn Winery tasting room

Here are the tasting notes of the Cabernet versus Merlot for comparison:

2017 Decoy Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon ($25)

Layers of boysenberry, blackberry, plum and star anise, this wine showcases what we love about great Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon. On the palate, the lush fruit flavors are framed by rich tannins and hints of dark chocolate and barrel spice.

2017 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($78)

Aromas of blackberry, huckleberry and chocolate, as well as hints of mint, cardamom, clove and graham cracker. On the palate it displays lovely brightness, with firm, resolved tannins framing flavors of boysenberry and black currant. As it evolves in the glass, subtle sweet and savory notes are revealed, carrying the wine to a long, focused finish.

2018 Decoy Sonoma County Merlot ($25)

Layers of black cherry, blueberry and plum underscored by dark chocolate, cedar and mineral notes. On the palate, balanced acidity adds poise and elegance, while silky tannins carry the wine to a fruitful and concentrated finish.

2017 Duckhorn Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot ($56)

Aromas of lush cherry, raspberry, cocoa and freshly baked pie crust. The cherry and raspberry notes are echoed on the silky palate, where fine-grained tannins and flavors of ripe plum, blueberry, licorice and subtle baking spice draw the wine to a long, elegant finish.

Each of these varietals has several editions, including limited wines from various vineyards. I chose to focus on their basic estate bottles. Have a wonderful rest of the week and happy Wine Wednesday!

Saluti!

Xoxo -Lisa.