11/19/2021 - MissK Likes this wine:

You can't go wrong with this one. It is inexpensive and reliable any time of the week when you visit your wine shop looking for an affordable, well-made and reliable wine.
On the nose, white flowers, nectar and stone fruits (peach, apricots and blood orange with a hint of underripe pear.
Dry, salty and clean. It is also beautiful (surprisingly) in a mimosa (sans-bubbly) when you add an effervescent dry orange or grapefruit-- like Polar's Dry Orange or Grapefruit.

11/4/2021 - MissK Likes this wine:

If you like tropical fruit but not at all too sweet, this is for you. Additionally, I found a very interesting note that was unexpected-- nutty, but not tannic crushed almond and creamy macadamia nuts on the finish. As far as the tropical fruit notes-- definitely dominant on ripe, juicy tropical Papaya. A bit musky as a result. There is blood orange present on the palate that you could not detect on the nose, but the blood orange is there! It makes it more interesting, bright and refreshing without being so lemony or acidic on the citrus-side.

It is a wonderful wine to enjoy with many layers and make sure you enjoy it chilled, not cold, but chilled a bit. Food pairing? I would say, anything with mushrooms and salt. Like a mushroom pizza with any protein/meat you choose. Olives would pair well. Briny oysters and even earthy pumpkin or butternut squash soup kissed with herbs like Rosemary and again, mushrooms! A nice Fall or Wintry wine to enjoy.

10/18/2019 - MissK Likes this wine:

Elegant, soft cloud-like bubbles and an easy mouthfeel. It's not the everyday casual wine and it's not super fancy, but I would choose this beautiful bubbly as my go-to any day and time.

On the nose, it's a pretty aroma without any perfumey fragrance. Rather, it is soft, gentle and a delicate mix of soft and spicy. The first sip gives you a smooth, pillowy experience of strawberries and a hint of watermelon-- but never sweet or sugary. It's more like the presence of strawberry and watermelon, not the sugar of these. There's also a touch of bite and spice to it, which is my favorite part as I love bone-dry wines, especially sparkling ones. The balance and harmony is perfect and encourages you to keep on sipping with delight. It's excellent on it's own as you are winding down from your day, chopping your salad, settling in at home and sharing a pour with company as you discuss your day, the news, what movie to watch and what's on the menu for dinner. I am sure this will be perfect for Sunday brunch as well!
This by far is my favorite and is well worth the extra bucks at $20+ a bottle. After all, life's too short for bad, mediocre and boring wine.

2/14/2019 - MissK wrote:

Definitely zesty, bright with a robust minerality. It's almost like there's a subtle effervescence to it, but it's just that it is so lime/sherbet (but not sweet) tang to it. If you like lemony-lime, high minerality, high acidity and a bit bracing, this is your wine. It would pair so well with oysters for sure.

It is palate cleansing, refreshing and the aromas do express some floral notes, like chamomile. You will see yellow all over this wine! And I mean, like associations to yellow-- sunny! chamomile! lemons! happy smiley face and a touch of warm butter at the finish. Quite layered, right? It actually warmed up a bit after a while. I think it opened up a little nicely over time, but right when you open it, it is very robust.

I say give it some breathing room and time. It is decent, casual and mellow, at 12.5% so light and easy. Would I buy it again? Only if I had fresh oysters on the menu. The best part about it actually is the finish, not the start. It does finish nicely, like the touch of warmth I mentioned. It smooths out after the hit of brightness. It does not taste like a cheap wine, nor does it taste sophisticated. It's just casual, easy and probably best with food versus alone.

2/4/2019 - MissK Likes this wine:

I Love savory red wines. Spicy, a little salty with some black pepper and low acidity. This is the wine that has all of that! Savory with notes of tomato and a bright hint of eucalyptus leaf. Excellent for food, like roast garlic chicken, fatty salmon and Tomato-Rich pastas. A winner no matter what. You must stock up on this wine!

8/25/2018 - MissK Likes this wine:

Beautiful juicy Muskmelon and cantaloupe with a smooth and milky dairy note. Loved it and still can't think of what food to pair it with as it is perfect on it's own to sip and savor.

5/28/2016 - MissK Likes this wine:

Hang tight, my review will arrive soon! For now, let's just say my first pour of this festive, sweet and celebratory wine (but in a casual way-- is a lovely one and I like it!). When I mention "Celebratory", think a special yet laid-back brunch with good 'ol friends on a Sunday afternoon). Yes, like that. It's a special wine to celebrate without having to make a big deal out of it all. Hang tight for further detailed reviews on another day. I just wanted to document this as a wine I tried and definitely enjoyed. You should try some too.

4/28/2016 - MissK Likes this wine:

A straw colored pour with aromas of dried herbs and lemon puff pastry. The soft, cloud-like effervescence (gentle and light) was a pleasant surprise and added an interesting texture to the wine. Aroma, texture and flavor all make any beverage or food enjoyable. This wine had it all nicely. Notes of juicy green apple, creamy lemon curd, stony summer fruit and toasted almond marry well together on the palate. My favorite layer of the entire wine is the ripeness of juicy fruits and the earthy nuttiness that comes creamy and round overall. Verdicchio should be more popular!

4/24/2016 - MissK Likes this wine:

Fresh Meyer lemon scents, with butter cookie and ripe pear. Baked apple flavors, with white peach and nutmeg. Rich, oaky and buttery.

4/14/2016 - MissK Likes this wine:

Gold-tinged straw. Aromas of apple, anise, minerals an almond jump from the glass. Bright, dense and juicy, offering an archetypal Verdicchio set of flavors (marzipan and orchard fruits) of sneaky concentration and creaminess. The finish is long and suave! Food pairing: Anything olives! Olive bread or salad with olives. Trust me!

4/1/2016 - MissK Likes this wine:

Beautiful aromas of toasted chestnuts with a rich, nutty body on the palate upon sipping. It is aromatic and filled with warmth and depth. It's a classic chardonnay but not overwhelming with oak or (that overused term-- "buttery") but it is, yes, buttery in a rich and sumptuous way. Elegant and very well made. The finish lingers into the nose with that nuttiness-- there's a hint of almond or cashew that lingers, which I love. The lovely, well-designed label is a plus as well! I love this wine and I know you will too.

1/31/2016 - MissK Likes this wine:

On the nose upon opening: Jammy, juicy black cherry with some over-steeped black tea and a hint of cigarettes. I liked it! I felt that this was a sign it was fruity, full-bodied with good tannins and fresh-- not big and flabby. Sometimes big reds like Sonoma cabs get so overpowering that the fruitiness turns to too much sugar and syrup! This one was vibrant and fresh right from the nose.
Upon tasting after decanting half and hour, it was a dry, peppery and woodsy (dry not damp) medium-full bodied cab. I was right-- good, tight tannins and juicy black cherry with some plummy notes on the finish. I also tasted the cigarette-like quality with dry spice and black pepper. Food-wise, I would pair this with a beefy portobello mushroom baked with garlic cloves and accompanied with a salad that celebrates the avocado in any style you like--I recommend drizzled with soy sauce, sprinkled with black sesame seeds and finished with crushed black peppercorns. The best recipes are not complicated so each ingredient can express itself fully. Overall, this wine is not complicated and like the meal it's paired with, doesn't need a lot to shine-- it's already fresh and balanced as is.

1/21/2016 - MissK Likes this wine:

On the nose (prior to first taste), I picked up some dark chocolate! yum. I taste more black plum on the entry but it does finish with a jammy strawberry. Very silky and smooth overall. Bright red fruits. Food pairing: roasted rosemary fingerling potatoes or plain yukon gold mashed potatoes with roast chicken and a nice piece of buttermilk biscuit. There is a bit of tart cranberry note to the wine so that may be why it may go well with the chicken and potatoes with the buttery biscuit. Comfort food!

1/20/2016 - MissK Likes this wine:

Definitely a winner. I opened it not chilled, actually. It was at room-temp, not planning on having it tonight. Aroma upon opening: So toasty with melted butter, hot candle wax, oily and creamy (in a good way)! First sip upon opening (at room-temp): rich buttered popcorn and woodsy earth. Round, low-acidity. Some butterscotch to the finish. When tasted slightly chilled after it was in the fridge for half and hour, it was silkier. Still a buttered popcorn note and definitely more buttered rum but not sweet like the cake, just very toasty and buttery. More like freshly baked bread. I love it!

1/1/2016 - MissK Likes this wine:

A very aromatic, fragrant chardonnay. The bouquet of white flowers, honeysuckle, a touch of green clovers (think a huge meadow of these flowers buzzing with honeybees on a spring afternoon)! There is a touch of green to the aroma, like you're smelling the grass amongst the fragrant floral scents.
On the palate, it is juicy with stone fruits like apricots, peach flesh + peach pit. The peach pit part of it is where a little bit of bitterness/high acidity breaks through. More like tart and tight but some may perceive it as bitterness. Not a bad thing.
At first, it was very perfumey and on the finish, like smelling scented soap (but nicely made soap). It is a very delicate, elegant and feminine wine.

12/27/2015 - MissK wrote:

Not sure about this one. Even after 3 hours decanted...It is OK but not my preferred flavor profiles. It's got a lot of carob and molasses. It's also smoky, which is not bad, but I felt for my palate, I didn't like the carob-taste combined with the smoky layer.

12/25/2015 - MissK Likes this wine:

Just opened this (Christmas night!) On the nose: rich raspberry as if it were swirling in bitter dark chocolate. There's also a woodsy scent to the aroma, like a dry cigarette box. The dark chocolate dominates and there's also some rich honey-- like a dark buckwheat honey on the nose. Upon first sip, (after an hour decanted) some licorice and cedar. Definitely raspberry in bitter dark chocolate still. A robust, muscular red.

12/9/2015 - MissK wrote:

Wow, what a surprise... At first taste, I HATED this wine. I immediately thought of bringing it back to the wine shop because I felt it was TERRIBLY INTOLERABLE. However, the sales guy who raved about it (and I have always loved his recommends) said I should give it a try...It's kind of "funky" and pretty different in a good way. It is on the higher price point for my casual mid-week wine choice but I decided to try it...
It smells like a barnyard. Funky! First taste: sour like a cider. Hated it. But the finish is decent. Tasted like plums and cherries. Surprisingly, I hate plums but this was okay. I will give it a chance. So far, I hated it and it is starting to taste all right. It reminds me of umeboshi plum from Japan. I will see, after a second pour, if I really do want to toss it or not.

12/5/2015 - MissK Likes this wine:

Alluring black cherry and raspberry jam aromas with subtle notes of nutmeg, spice and chocolate. On the palate, lovely layers of raspberry and plum are supported by excellent structure and seamlessly integrated oak and long finish.
Decoy Description
The 2012 vintage has yielded a lush and appealing expression of Decoy Cabernet with alluring black cherry and raspberry jam aromas, as well as more subtle notes of nutmeg, spice and chocolate. On the palate, lovely layers of raspberry and plum are supported by excellent structure and seamlessly integrated oak
Wine Spectator: 90 Points
Well structured, with a charming core of currant, blackberry, cedar and spice. The tannins are firm and give the flavors traction on the finish.
Wine Enthusiast: 91 Points
Hard tannins make this wine difficult to approach now, as they usually do for young Duckhorn Cabs. But it’s quite a success for the chilly 2010 vintage, showing lush blackberry and cherry fruits and fine acidity. As tough as the tannins are, they’re well structured, a strong suggestion that the wine, which includes Merlot, should have an easy time aging.

8/18/2015 - MissK Likes this wine:

I immediately detected the woodsy aroma and picked up a slightly signed (like burning embers) quality on the nose. It's like opening up a cigarette box and smelling the dehydrated fibers of crushed Fall leaves. On the palate, the tannins are gripping, but in a pleasant way. It's an expressive, aggressive wine in that it shows a lot of spice, smoke and leathery notes. I would enjoy this in a bistro with live jazz playing softly in the background and wearing my special-occasion dress, ruby red lipstick and vintage gold jewelry. It's a fancy wine that just makes me feel elegant because the wine itself is sophisticated and quite special.

7/12/2015 - MissK Likes this wine:

What an elegant and silky pinot noir! Aroma is classic pinot: cherry, some raspberry with a touch of herbaceous clove. The fruit is not jammy, however, like a cabernet would be. This one is more earthy, even woodsy, like the smell of a room built in heavy dark wood and furnished with good quality leather. The color on this pinot is a beautiful garnet, like you were looking at a precious garnet gemstone. The clarity is flawless and not too dark. The tannins are barely noticeable, so the silkiness shines through. It is not harsh or tight in any way. Because of the low tannins, and silky smooth profile, it doesn't need much time aging (enjoy now!) and is a lively, fresh and pretty red wine to enjoy on its own or with food. With food, I would pair this with a mushroom risotto and, if you are into Japanese food, with simple natto on top of steamed rice drizzled with a touch of soy sauce and folded in with some sesame seeds. Earthier the better! Definitely try this wine!

6/17/2015 - MissK Likes this wine:

A gorgeous, muscular red from Sonoma County! It is a blend of 89% Primitivo (this is where I detect the muscular body, 6% Petite Sirah (black and white peppercorn), 5% Carignane (some earthy smoke and leather). The most prominent character of the wine is the bright, tannic, leathery fruit. There's a touch of dark chocolate as if you're having a juicy black cherry drizzled with mexican chocolate on top-- mexican chocolate that's laced with cayenne!

A beautiful, complex wine that's layered with so many flavors. You will experience a very expressive and bold wine with this one.

5/30/2015 - MissK Likes this wine:

Wow, what a gorgeous Merlot. On the nose, there's jammy, juicy black cherry with subtle hints of bell pepper and peppercorn. It also has a beautiful layer of vanilla bean and woodsy must and dust-- like stepping into an old wooden library built of cedar walls and furnished with aged leather furniture. It's such an elegant and sophisticated merlot. It is a big red, with 15% alcohol, but it doesn't feel so "hot" or overbearing. It does have muscular structure and many layers. I love it!

3/11/2015 - MissK wrote:

Brisk and yet buttery. Briskness comes from high acidity and minerality. Buttery expressed like a Chardonnay. There is a sea salt note to it, like breathing in salty sea air on a breezy, high-noon sun afternoon at the beach where the seaweeds wash up on the shore. The traditional pairing with Oysters would be perfect with this Muscadet. It will complement the umami and salinity of the Oysters just perfectly. And please, don't use the sauce or condiments! Just the Oyster on its own...

3/9/2015 - MissK wrote:

Aroma is classic Pinot Noir-- strawberries, bit of musty funk (in a good way), some peppper. But on the taste, the cherries come through more than the strawberries I picked up on the nose.
First sip was a disappointment. Very very tart and highly acidic. Tasted a bit "hot" even at 13% AVB. Rough edges. Definitely needs more time to round out and hopefully smooth into more expressive fruitiness, not tart young cherries. Tannins are gripping and tight.

3/1/2015 - MissK Likes this wine:

A very nice surprise. I was hesitant at the very inexpenisve price (I know there are good, low priced wines out there but I've also had cheap, awful, not-worth-it wines!) So I decided to try it since I was intrigued about this one from Italy. Usually I drink Pinot Noirs from Oregon or CA.

I open the bottle, take in the aroma and liked it. Classic pinot noir aromas that are earthy and strawberry jammy. I take a taste and instantly pleased! Very smooth and full of ripe, jammy strawberry with a hint of cheesecake.

It's also savory, like seaweed and ponzu sauce. There's umami in here. But it's more bright and jammy. An excellent pinot noir with only 12% AVB. I will definitely buy more of this wine. Well made and great value.

UPDATE:
This is a very very well made Pinot Noir (for this price????)-- And I hate bad cheap wine...It's excellent and proved to me that inexpensive wines that are great do still exist!
NOTE that this wine is most delicious at room temperature. Slightly chilled, it changed dramatically and was not as pleasant. It was so tight, more tannic and a bit more sour than silky sweet. After the chilled bottle was left to room temp, it came back to it's wonderful flavor. So it wasn't a "bad" bottle. Don't slightly chill this wine!

2/26/2015 - MissK Likes this wine:

Oaky coffee-vanilla. Rich, oily, roasted coffee beans. Some pound cake with buttery richness. I am pleased with the wine, both aroma and taste.

2/25/2015 - MissK wrote:

Very dry, steely, limey riesling. Nice on the nose with melon and hints of acacia honey. Tight, tart, high acidity and minerality. There's a subtle hint of smokiness at the finish, with a burnt bruleé. A perfect pairing for lobster or japanese hairy crab.

2/22/2015 - MissK Likes this wine:

Minty and subtle pine needles. Aroma is nice with rich raisins and plum. Taste is fruity and there's some dark chocolate cake in there. The finish isn't long as the tannins are high and tight, not creamy or silky enough to linger. Tastes like a big red, even at 13.5% (tastes higher!). A bit hot so I think it needs to breathe a number of hours more. It also tastes of cheese. Like swiss cheese or some cow's cheese. Would be excellent with olives and wine crackers to snack on!

2/20/2015 - MissK wrote:

Nose: funky cheese and barnyard with some oily aroma. Definitely pick up the vanilla oak, macadamia nut and some buttered toast.
Taste: Interesting and fat with vanilla with stone fruit and acidity.
It's only 13% ABV but it tastes richer and I would have guessed it was higher.

2/19/2015 - MissK Likes this wine:

Nose: fresh pear and apple with subtle warm oak.
Taste: First little sip tasted pleasantly like ripe bananas. Nice. Soft, warm and buttery chardonnay. Also tasted some lemon tea and roasted sweet corn. Tastes great colder than most white wines.

2/17/2015 - MissK Likes this wine:

Nice and light. Carnation flowers on the nose (very subtle). Bright, light fruity sweetness with good minerality from the riesling and pinot gris. A nice pre-meal wine (brunch or dinner) and to pair with raw scallop sushi, ama ebi or octopus. Could also complement Vietnamese fresh shrimp summer rolls with a nice chili sauce (not fish sauce) or good quality peanut sauce!

2/16/2015 - MissK wrote:

On the nose before tasting: If I were doing a blind tasting, I'd consider guessing it was a riesling. Aroma is mineraly with a stony, wet and floral quality. Taste: White peach and apricot pits. A surprise that it's kind of sea-salty too. Very intriguing and I'm not loving it immediately but it's not terrible. I have had this wine before in the summer and it is not like I remember. It was sweeter and juicier and riper, but it seems different this time. I liked it the first time. I'm not sure about this one. I'm not sure why. Again, it's not bad, but I recall liking it more before than this time, in that it is less tropical and sweet. Strange! Does anyone have any comment on whether they taste theirs more sweet and juicy or more stony, dry, crisp and minerally?

2/14/2015 - MissK Likes this wine:

Beautiful aroma! Pineapple? No, I was still wondering.. then I pick up pink grapefruit, juicy white peach and delicate light honey.
Taste: Stone fruit and their skins. Lots of white Japanese peach and some apricot pit (bringing a subtle bitterness). But overall it's flowery, pretty, full of honey and peaches, but not cloyingly sweet. Finish is long that's fragrant.

2/12/2015 - MissK Likes this wine:

Nose: Tomato with black peppercorn. Some carob too. First sip: Fruity and spicy with the carob and tomato coming through on the palate. Not a long finish, but the acid and tannins in the tight flavor is great for food, like spaghetti with basil-marinara sauce with shaved parmesan and garlic. Simple and classic. Nice bistro wine.

2/11/2015 - MissK Likes this wine:

Underripe plum, tart and bright. Savory with some green tomato and tomato leaf. Some moss on bark on the palate and just tree bark on the nose. A nice, light pinot noir that's earthy in a green, mossy sense.

2/10/2015 - MissK Likes this wine:

I love this cabernet! Beautiful full chocolate cherry fruit with a milky finish that lingers. Would be a perfect red wine for a great sangria, I'm sure. Some minty chocolate too when you taste again. Rich and big, but bright and lively.

2/9/2015 - MissK Likes this wine:

Aroma: embers of smoked teak or oak. The nose reminds of of walking into a room built with fine wood in some cabin. Hints of blueberry and bell pepper. Slight band aid (after just opening). Best to let the glass decant for a bit longer.
Taste of just opened pour: Definitely spicy and peppery (bell pepper and jalapeno). Tight tannins but pleasant. Oily leather on the nose and palate. Elegant, like a really great leather handbag. Great wine to enjoy before and during your meal of pepper steak and polenta or simple tarragon garlic mashed potatoes (without any sauce). For seafood, a hearty firm fish like swordfish steak with a sweet sauce or chutney like mango chutney or a nice raspberry cream sauce with poppy seeds. Any pasta noodle with simple tomato sauce would be perfect as well (top with basil pesto and some basil leaves for garnish). Enjoy!

2/7/2015 - MissK Likes this wine:

Perfect oakiness-- not too heavy, not too light. Tropical, juicy pineapple with a slight mandarin orange peel finish. Medium bodied with elegant roundness. Toasty, like baked honeyed oats.

2/7/2015 - MissK Likes this wine:

Deep dark plum in color. Nice tight tannins with a mint and violet aroma. A hint of eucalyptus and menthol on the palate, with a subtle vanilla on the finish.

2/6/2015 - MissK wrote:

Dominant pear on the nose and palate. More like ripe yellow bartlett pears with a slightly dusty and buttered oak. Obvious high alcohol on the nose and taste. Better more chilled than most chardonnays to enhance refreshing flavor. Pair with seabass to complement a flavorful and oily fish (otherwise a light wine would get lost...but a very dry crisp Rose might work too). But with this chardonnay, it will be a good pairing with a rich fish (poached and served with very little or no sauce (let the fish shine!) and a nice spinach salad sprinkled with walnuts, golden raisins, oyster mushrooms and raspberry dressing. Top with poppy seeds, cracked black and white peppercorns (ground) and enjoy the dinner with this wine!

2/5/2015 - MissK Likes this wine:

Immediately tasted a milk-chocolate note (but not sweet). Think creamy, milky, silky. Tannic but pleasantly balanced with the acidity. Roasted coffee notes and some tobacco leaf. If you have ever heard of and tasted the betel nut, it hints at what you taste when you chew it's leaves ( which produces very mild buzz or, as read on livestrong.com, "produces cocaine-like effects)*, this wine seems to have subtle tastes that resemble the betel nut leaf.
*Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/129158-effects-betel-nut-chewing/