Decoy, a California brand within the Duckhorn Wine Company, has built its reputation on reliable, early-drinking wines. Decoy began in 1985 as a single red blend created by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, and has since expanded into a broad lineup that includes Merlot as a core varietal bottling. The 2022 Decoy Merlot is labeled under the broad California appellation and is built for immediate approachability while still aiming for polish.

In 2022, the wine is a blend of 95% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. It was aged 12 months in 100% French oak barrels, with 40% new oak, and the winery reports 14.1% alcohol. Technical figures also note pH 3.60 and total acidity of 0.57 g/100 mL (about 5.7 g/L), suggesting a structure intended to keep the fruit profile in check.

The vintage itself was shaped by warm conditions and moments of stress: the producer cites an early start to harvest, relatively low yields, and a significant early-September heat wave that pushed ripening quickly, followed by a later cooling rain and a harvest that wrapped in late October. Decoy characterizes the results as “opulent, beautifully structured reds,” consistent with its house style.

Critically, the wine has earned an excellent review from Wine Enthusiast. Tonya Pitts scored it 93 points, calling it “rich,” with aromas of “dark cherry, red currant confiture, clove, dried flowers and dried bay leaf.” On the palate, Pitts highlights “blackberry coulis, dark plum and black tea,” with notes “interlaced with cocoa nib, vanilla cream,” finishing with “a dry, silky finish.” Pitts suggests pairing it with grilled ahi tuna steak, a useful cue that this Merlot has enough freshness and restraint to handle richer, savory dishes rather than only red-meat pairings.