- Last updated on February 18, 2023
Welcome! This is our Decoy Merlot review.
The Decoy Merlot is a crowd-pleaser that is sure to please any wine enthusiast.
With a rich and smooth taste, this merlot is perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re sharing a bottle with friends or enjoying a quiet evening at home, the Decoy Merlot is a great choice.
Find below our Decoy Sonoma County Merlot review along with our food pairings recommendations, serving tips, curiosity, and where you can buy it.
Let’s begin!
Our Decoy Merlot Review
- Brand: Decoy
- Grape Varietal: Merlot
- Region: United States, Sonoma Valley
- Tasting Notes: Black Cherry & Plum notes
- Glass & Serving: Bordeaux / 59-64 °F (15-18 °C) / Decant ~30mins
- Storage: Up to 5 years
- Price Range: ~$25
- Bottle Size: 750 ml
Decoy Merlot review: What's its color?
Decoy Merlot wine has a deep ruby color that is almost opaque and fat slow falling legs.
If you want to know more about how to taste wine and the lingo that goes with it, check out this article: How To Taste Wine Like a Pro in 4 Steps.
Decoy Merlot review: What are the flavors?
Decoy Merlot is primarily made from Merlot grapes (96%) and aged in 100% French oak barrels.
The other grape used in the blend is Cabernet Sauvignon (4%).
On the nose, has a complex nose, with notes of dark fruit, vanilla, and hints of coffee and tobacco.
The fruit aromas are of ripe black cherry and plum.
On the palate, this wine is full-bodied with a silky smooth texture.
The flavors on the palate are well-balanced and include black cherry, raspberry, and hints of mocha and spice.
The tannins are soft, and the acidity is well integrated, making for a very approachable wine.
Is Decoy Merlot wine sweet?
No, it’s not sweet. Decoy Merlot wine is a dry wine.
Dry wine contains less than 15 g/L.
Learn more about wine sweetness level here.
Decoy Merlot review: Which food pairs well with it?
Decoy Merlot pairs well with a variety of dishes, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian.
For vegetarian options, it pairs well with roasted vegetable dishes, such as roasted eggplant, squash, or root vegetables, or pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces.
It also pairs well with mushroom-based dishes, such as risotto or mushroom stroganoff.
For non-vegetarian options, it pairs well with roasted or grilled meats, such as lamb or pork chops, as well as hearty stews and casseroles.
Other options include roasted chicken, beef tenderloin, and sausages.
Decoy Merlot review: What's its alcohol content?
Decoy Merlot wine’s alcohol content is 14.1%.
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 Merlot 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 higher calories per glass than wine with low ABV.
Furthermore, sugar contributes to the calorie count.
A dry wine will usually have 4 calories per gram vs a sweet wine that will have around 20 calories per gram of carbs, which include sugar.
What is Decoy?
Here is an extract from the Decoy website:
“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
In conclusion, the Decoy Merlot is a must-try for both seasoned wine enthusiasts and those new to the world of wine.
With its lush, fruit-forward flavors and velvety tannins, this wine offers an outstanding experience from the first sip to the last.
Its versatility also makes it a perfect choice for a wide range of occasions and pairings, from a romantic dinner for two to a casual evening with friends.
So whether you’re enjoying it on its own or with a delicious meal, the Decoy Sonoma County Merlot is sure to impress and leave you wanting more.
Once you had it, we’d love to know your opinion, so reach out and let’s know what you think! Cheers!
