- Last updated on February 1, 2023
This is our Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon review.
Decoy by Duckhorn is very well known name in the wine industry, they consistently deliver high quality wines at a very good value for money.
Its black fruit aromas and complexity will win you over and the blending with Merlot adds an extra layer of smoothness to it. We loved it!
Find below our Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon full review along with our food pairings recommendations, serving tips, curiosity and where you can buy it.
Let’s begin!
Our Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon Review
- Brand: Decoy by Duckhorn
- Grape Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
- Region: United States, California
- Tasting Notes: Black fruit notes
- Glass & Serving: Bordeaux / 59-64 °F (15-18 °C) / Decant ~ 1 hr
- Store: Up to 5 Years
- Price Range: $15-$25
- Bottle Size: 750 ml
Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon review: What's its color?
Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon wine has a deep ruby color with thick legs.
If you want to know more on how to taste wine, check out this article: How To Taste Wine Like a Pro in 4 Steps.
Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon review: What are the flavors?
Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon is predominantly made from Cabernet Sauvignon (86%) grapes with a little add of Merlot (14%).
Aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, cigar box, toffee, and mint lead to the fresh dark berry and red currant flavors and hints of dried herbs.
The palate is soft and inviting, and the finish offers lingering notes of fruit, caramel, and almond.
Black cherry and raspberry jam aromas, as well as more subtle notes of nutmeg, spice and chocolate.
On the palate, lovely layers of raspberry and plum are supported by the excellent structure and seamlessly integrated oak.
Is Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon wine sweet?
No it’s not sweet. Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon wine is a dry wine.
A dry wine contains less than 15 g/L.
Learn more about wine sweetness level here.
Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon review: Which food pairs well with it?
Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon has rich tannins, medium to high body and a certain degree of complexity.
We find it pairs very well with earthy food, rich meat and bold cheese flavors.
Classic appetizers are mushroom pizza, peppery souces and stew.
Meat wise you have wide selection here from rich grilled meats, marinated ribeye steak, Stroganoff and braised short ribs.
If you are a cheese lover go for blue cheese like Gorgonzola or semi-hard like Comte for example.
Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon review: What's its alcohol content?
Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon wine’s alcohol content is 14%.
In case you wonder about alcohol content or more precisely Alcohol By Volume, i.e. ABV, measure the alcoholic strength of a drink.
There is a direct relationship between the sugar left in the wine after the alcoholic fermentation has taken place, i.e. Residual Sugar or RS, and ABV.
During alcoholic fermentation, the yeast transforms the sugar in the grape juice into alcohol.
Grapes with high residual sugar will therefore produce dry wine with a high ABV.
How many calories are in a glass of Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon wine?
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture [1] a 5-ounce glass will contain about 120 to 130 calories.
Alcohol contains 7 calories per gram. So a wine with high ABV will have a higher calories per glass than a wine with low ABV.
Furthermore, sugar contributes to the calorie count.
A dry wine will usually have 4 calories per grams vs a sweet wine that will have around 20 calories per grams of carbs, which include sugar.
What is Decoy by Duckhorn?
Here is an extract from the Decoy website itself:
“Established more than 30 years ago by legendary vintners Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, our roots run deep at Decoy.
Since 1978, Duckhorn Vineyards has been exploring the character and complexity of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
Drawing on our winemaking team’s expertise working with this varietal, Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon offers a rich and appealing expression of the varietal crafted to be ready upon release.”
Conclusion
Cabernet Sauvignon isn’t for everyone we know, but you’ve got to try this one.
The blending with Merlot has given it a nice touch of smoothness that you’ll certainly enjoy.
Our honest opinion is that it’s just too good to be missed and it offers a great value for money which is always a good news! Enjoy!
