2019 Decoy - Zinfandel Sonoma (750ml)
2019 Decoy - Zinfandel Sonoma (750ml) captures the Decoy label’s evolution into a distinct Sonoma expression within the Duckhorn Portfolio. Decoy began more than twenty-five years ago in Napa Valley as an easier drinking companion to Duckhorn's flagship wines, and this Sonoma Zinfandel carries that same spirit of approachable, polished wines with depth.
The fruit for this bottling comes largely from Dry Creek Valley, long recognized as one of California's premier sites for Zinfandel thanks to its warm days and well-drained gravelly soils.
The wine is a blend of roughly eighty percent Zinfandel rounded out with Petite Sirah and Carignan, which add color and structure. After fermentation, it spends about a year in French oak barrels, a portion of them new, a treatment chosen to soften the tannins while adding spice without overwhelming the fruit.
Tasting notes
- Aromas of blueberry, blackberry, cherry, and plum lead into a palate layered with black pepper, licorice, and a touch of oak-derived vanilla and nutmeg.
- Silky tannins and bright acidity keep the wine balanced despite its generous fruit.
Food pairings
- Grilled burgers
- Pepperoni pizza
- A wedge of blue cheese