Duckhorn Decoy Merlot 2021

Drink or cellar for up to 7 years. Decant one hour before serving. This luscious Sonoma Merlot exudes deep dark berry, plum and cherry aromas along with warming festive spices from the 10 months of oak ageing. On the palate the fruity attack and ripe blackcurrant and blueberry flavours are balanced by a refreshing acidity, velvety texture and refined tannins. These sweet fruit flavours make this Merlot an ideal match for the sweetness of lamb meat, while the bright acidity means the wine can also stand up to a rich tomato sauce served with pasta, red meat or chicken. This was an excellent vintage in Sonoma thanks to plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures, making this the third exceptional year in a row for the region. 8% Malbec and 4% Cabernet Franc was added to the 88% Merlot in this bottling to enhance the ripe black fruit flavours and contribute additional structure. The Duckhorn story began in 1976 in St Helena with Dan and Margaret Duckhorn’s purchase of Marlee’s Vineyard in Napa Valley. After establishing a reputation for premium Merlot in Napa, the Duckhorns have applied expertise from more than thirty years of working with the varietal to craft this wallet-friendly Sonoma Merlot. Their accessible Decoy line of wines are made with grapes sourced from their partner growers with Duckhorn’s signature house style applied with the subtle influence of French oak barrels.

Price: £25.49 from 8wines UK