Decoy emerged in 1985 as an attractively priced brand offering accessibility and value, rather than requiring patience and aging as with the higher tier Duckhorn wines. Winemaker Dana Epperson crafts wines from a diverse range of grape varietals sourced across multiple regions in California. The brand has been broadened including a Red Blend, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, in addition to a Rosé and Brut Cuvée. In 2014, Duckhorn acquired a state of the art winemaking facility for Decoy in Hopland, California, within Mendocino County. The Decoy Limited label was introduced in 2020, sourcing fruit from prestigious Napa Valley and Sonoma Coast vineyards. Decoy functions as an introduction and extension of Duckhorn Vineyards quickly attracting a loyal following with its own identity.

The 2023 Decoy Limited Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir was aged for 11 months in 40% new French Oak. It is a prototypical, value-driven Pinot Noir offering immense pleasure for the price. This bright ruby wine accelerates from the glass on opening with floral accents of mixed red berries intermingled with dried spring flowers. There is a wealth of ripe macerated cherries, red plums and creme de cassis that gently coats your palate along with a dusting of ground cinnamon in the background. It has enough complexity and texture to keep your attention throughout any meal. I wish other producers would try to duplicate this consumer friendly, classic style of Pinot Noir.

By W Peter Hoyne