The story behind Decoy
Decoy was founded in 1985 by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, the couple behind Duckhorn Vineyards. It started as a Napa Valley red blend built from surplus wine and grew into a standalone California winery with its own estate fruit, including Alexander Valley's Ridgeline and Brownell vineyards. Winemaker Dana Epperson oversees the cellar.
The signature Cabernet is a Bordeaux style blend, roughly 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Merlot, aged 18 months in 100% French oak, about 40% new. That oak gives you cedar, vanilla and baking spice around blackberry and black cherry. We have carried Decoy for years because it delivers real structure at a price that does not punish you.
Explore the Decoy range
Decoy runs from the everyday California Cabernet to single appellation Limited bottlings. Here is the lineup we stock, from entry bottle to estate fruit.
| Expression | Type | Proof / ABV | Tasting notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon | California blend | 13.9% to 14.1% ABV | Blackberry, black cherry, cedar, baking spice, dry finish |
| Decoy Cabernet Alexander | Alexander Valley | 14.5% ABV | Mountain and valley estate fruit, firmer tannin, longer finish |
| Decoy Cabernet Paso | Paso Robles | About 14.0% ABV | Riper dark fruit, warmer spice, plush mid palate |
| Decoy Merlot | California blend | Varies by vintage | Plum, soft tannin, easy drinking red |
| Decoy Pinot Noir | California blend | Varies by vintage | Red cherry, earth, light body, bright acidity |
| Decoy Chardonnay | California blend | Varies by vintage | Apple, citrus, subtle oak, rounded texture |
Which Decoy is right for you?
Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon sits at $21.99 for the 750mL, and the Alexander Valley bottling runs $24.99. The Paso Robles is $22.99 when we have it, though it is currently out of stock. Merlot lands at $21.99, Pinot Noir at $19.99 and Chardonnay at $17.99. These are the prices on our shelf at 1171 Jericho Turnpike, not a suggested retail figure. Buy Decoy online for pickup or local delivery, or walk in and we will pull it for you.
Dry, oaked and structured enough for a grilled steak without a special occasion price.
Alexander Valley fruit and 14.5% ABV give you more density and a longer finish.
Softer tannin and plum fruit for lamb, rich pasta and anyone easing off Cabernet.