Decoy Red 2007

43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot

This vintage of our Decoy Napa Valley Red Wine offers enticing aromatics, sweet red fruit, supple tannins and firm, integrated oak. Beginning with aromas of raspberry, cherry pie, spice and cedar, the blend showcases an array of elements, from flavorful layers of cranberry, red currant and cassis to more nuanced hints of orange peel, amaretto and coffee. The medley of fruit continues throughout a long, enjoyable finish.

The 2007 growing season began early and was unusually dry, with rainfall totals that were 50 percent below average. Cool spring weather continued into the summer with temperatures down by approximately 5 degrees from August through October. The cool, steady weather produced a long harvest spread out over 80 days. This relaxed pace allowed us to pick in multiple passes, ensuring ideal ripening and flavor development in the fruit.

The wine's label features a decoy carved by Richard "Fresh-Air Dick" Janson (1872-1951) during the 1930s. Janson was a premier carver whose decoys are the most recognizable of all Pacific Coast carvings. Artist Michael Allard of Zimbabwe created a painting of this Pintail duck from the original carving. Both works reside in the Duckhorn Vineyards Estate House.