# Decoy California Cabernet Sauvignon (2023)

- **Producer:** Decoy (The Duckhorn Portfolio)
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 13.9%
- **Average price:** €25
- **Vegan:** No
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 16–18 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, raspberry, blackberry, black pepper, vanilla, cloves, toast, cedar

## About this wine

Established in 1985 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn as a companion label to Duckhorn Vineyards, Decoy has grown into an iconic winery in its own right. Under the guidance of winemaker Dana Epperson, Decoy focuses on crafting wines that deliver exceptional quality and 'everyday luxury.' Sourced from premium vineyards across California's top winegrowing regions, this Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the winery's commitment to blending excellence and approachable elegance, drawing on the extensive viticultural resources of the Duckhorn Portfolio.

## Interesting facts

- The iconic duck on the label is a reproduction of a 1930s Pintail decoy carved by master carver Richard 'Fresh-Air' Janson.
- Decoy was originally created in 1985 as a single red blend before evolving into a full-scale standalone winery in 2008.
- The 2023 vintage benefited from historic winter rains that broke California's drought, leading to an exceptionally long, cool growing season.

## Food pairing

This California Cabernet Sauvignon thrives on its structured yet approachable profile, featuring dark cherry, blackberry, and subtle toasty oak. It pairs beautifully with rich, marbled meats like grilled ribeye or gourmet burgers, where the wine's medium-plus tannins and bright acidity cut through the fat. Earthy dishes like mushroom risotto and sharp aged cheeses also complement the wine's savory undertones and oak structure.

## Wine making process

The grapes were harvested during the exceptional, long 2023 growing season, which allowed for optimal flavor development and balanced acidity. Each vineyard lot was fermented separately in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats to preserve primary fruit characteristics. The wine was then aged for approximately 15 to 18 months in 100% French oak barrels (40% new, 60% neutral) to add structure, roundness, and subtle spice notes before final blending and bottling.