Duckhorn Wine Company
Decoy
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot
Napa Valley
St. Helena, CA
2006
14.5%
$24.99 at Costco, Austin, TX
Color: Dark garnet
Nose: Blackberries, anise, pepper, Elmer's glue, dried cherries
Body: Medium
Front: Plums
Middle: Chocolate, white pepper
Back: Oak, tannins, dirt
Burns clean?: Yes
Cap: Cork
This is a fascinating bottle of wine. It's subtle: the nose is a bit tight, but alluring, like a beautiful face seen through a veil. The flavors are diverse, from fruit to spices to dirt--and they change as the wine opens up. It opens up slowly, so definitely decant it, and if possible, wait a year or two from now before you open it at all. If you love big fruit or expect a California-style wine, don't drink this one, or wait until it's been open for a few hours before you try it.
Note: Trying to find more, I failed. Instead, I obtained the 2007, at $21.99. It's more fruity; blueberries and plums, a little chocolate; and, I think, perhaps not as charming, though as elegant, as the 2006.
