Decoy California Cabernet Sauvignon
Decoy California Cabernet Sauvignon is a 13.9% ABV cabernet sauvignon in a 750mL bottle — Duckhorn Vineyards' appellation-series cabernet, 90% cabernet sauvignon and 10% merlot, aged 18 months in 100% French oak (40% new) per the official tech sheet, available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 13.9% (official Duckhorn tech sheets)
- Size: 750mL
- Blend: 90% cabernet sauvignon, 10% merlot (official winemaker notes)
- Aging: 18 months in 100% French oak, 40% new / 60% neutral (2021 official tech sheet; consistent Decoy program style)
- Origin: California appellation — Duckhorn Vineyards, St. Helena
- Scores (vintage-specific): Wine Enthusiast 91 (2023); Wine Enthusiast 92 / WRO 90 (2021)
Decoy's Everyday California Cabernet
Decoy has been Duckhorn's second label since Dan and Margaret Duckhorn founded the St. Helena winery in 1985 — the appellation series is its everyday-drinking arm, while Decoy Limited is the reserve tier. This California cabernet follows the house formula: 90% cabernet sauvignon rounded with 10% merlot, raised 18 months in French oak for structure without excess weight. Shop our cabernet sauvignon selection, browse more California red wine, or explore the full Duckhorn Vineyards lineup.
Tasting Notes
Classic California cabernet at an everyday price: black cherry and blackberry fruit with cedar and French-oak spice, a merlot-softened mid-palate, and a smooth, food-friendly finish. Approachable young, with enough structure for short-term cellaring.
How to Enjoy
Decant 20–30 minutes and serve at 60–65°F. A natural match for burgers, grilled steaks, hearty pasta, and sharp cheddar — the weeknight red that punches above its price.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vintage is this bottle?
The live listing carries no vintage in the title, body, or structured data — and the "20196" in the URL handle is a slug artifact, not evidence of vintage. The current retail vintage in market is 2023; the bottle on the shelf settles it.
What is the blend?
90% cabernet sauvignon and 10% merlot, per the official Duckhorn winemaker notes.
What scores has it earned?
Scores are vintage-specific: the 2023 earned Wine Enthusiast 91, and the 2021 earned Wine Enthusiast 92 and WRO 90.
What is Decoy?
Duckhorn Vineyards' second label since 1985 — appellation-series wines for everyday drinking, with Decoy Limited as the reserve tier above.
Your weeknight Napa-style cabernet — order Decoy California Cabernet Sauvignon online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.