Decoy Zinfandel 2010, California, USA

Made with 100% Zinfandel with maturation for 12 months in 100% American oak barrels of which 30% is new oak and the remaining 70% is second vintage, alcohol comes in at 14.5%.

This Zin opened up with pleasant aromas of wild berry fruit, strawberry jam, vanilla and gentle wood spices. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied and well balanced by soft seductive ripe fruit flavors, fresh acidity and fine tannins. Medium length and very smooth on the finish. I don’t often associate California Zinfandel with elegance and finesse but in this case the team at Duckhorn manage just that. While I really enjoyed this wine I feel it does not represent good value in our market, I see many US retailers selling it for between $17 to $22 US dollars. As Ontario is one of the biggest buyer of wine in the world, they should have managed a better price for us. Score 91 points.

Purchased August 3, 2013 LCBO Vintages New Release (327502) at $29.95

Duckhorn Sauvignon Blanc 2010, Napa Valley, California, USA

I don’t usually enjoy a Sauvignon Blanc that t is blended with Sémillon, but I had tasted this wine at the California Wine Fair here in Ottawa last March. I liked it and thought that; paired with the right food it would be very enjoyable. This wine is a blend of 75% Sauvignon Blanc and 25% Sémillon. Portions of this SB were fermented in 100% French oak Château-Style barrels (60 gallons), 15% fermented in new oak, with alcohol coming in at 13.5%.

 

This wine opens up with aromas of lemon-lime, pear, pineapple and fresh herbs. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied with fresh acidity and rich flavours of lemon meringue and pineapple with a touch of honey.  Good length on the finish, almost creamy with great flavours and refreshing. I paired this wine with Chicken lasagna with artichoke and a béchamel sauce and it worked quite well. Very enjoyable, score 89 points.

Purchased April 28, 2012 LCBO New Release (094375) at $28.95

Duckhorn Merlot 2008, Napa Valley, California, USA

This wine is a blend of 86% Merlot, 9.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3.5% Petit Verdot and 1% Cabernet Franc. Maturation took place in 100% French oak Château -style barrels (60 Gallons), 20% new barrels and 80% second vintage for 16 months with alcohol coming in at 14.5%.

This wines opens up with aromas of cherry, plum, spice box, baking spices floral and mineral notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied, smooth and complex flavours, mild acidity and fine grained tannins. Medium length and a bit hot on the finish but with soft seductive fruit flavours lingering. This wine may not represent value but is another very enjoyable wine from Duckhorn. Definetely more Bordeaux than California in style, score 90 points.  

Purchased May 28, 2011 LCBO New Release (995529) at $54.95    

Duckhorn Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Napa Valley, California, USA

What a lovely wine here, a blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon and 18% Merlot, aged in 100% French oak. This wine opens up with aromas of blueberry, black cherry, cassis, vanilla and sweet toasty oak. On the palate, medium-full bodied (14.5% alc.), dry, rich and concentrated flavours, lively acidity and firm tannins. This Cabernet finish is long, very smooth with flavours of dark fruit, black pepper notes and fine grained tannins. Awsome mouthfeel, well balanced, well priced and delicious. Strongly recommended, score 91 points.

Purchased at the LCBO New Release (186171) at $32.95

Duckhorn Merlot 2009, Napa Valley, California, USA

This past weekend friends invited us for an evening of socializing and dinner. My friend Roger had decided to treat all of us with a Duckhorn Merlot 2009. He had read about Duckhorn on this blog. A wine I had recommended in the New Release posting in February (posted below). Nice, since this wine wasn’t on my shopping list. I do like Merlot and it gave me the opportunity to review it.

A blend of mostly Merlot at 84%, Cabernet Sauvignon at 10% and 6 % Cabernet Franc, adding texture and complexity to the overall package. Ageing took place in 100% French oak barrels (25% new and 75% second vintage) for 15 months. This Merlot opened up with very sensuous aromas of blackberry, cherry, red plum, sage, licorice, earthy and vanilla notes. Dry, medium to full bodied (with alcohol coming in at 14.5%) with exquisite balance between soft seductive fruit and savoury flavours, fine acidity and framed by silky tannins.  The wine finish is very enjoyable, with lots of finesse, sweet and sour fruit, vanilla and fine grained tannins. This wine is better served with food now, or give it 1 or 2 years in your cellar for all the elements of this wine to come together.  It is always very nice to catch up with friends, enjoy a nice meal over a great bottle of wine. Thank you Michel and Roger.  An awesome wine with lots of sophistication and elegance, score 91 points.

LCBO New Release of February 18, 2012 (992529) at $56.95