Decoy Limited Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

Duckhorn Vineyards launched its Decoy sub-label in 1989 to explore fruit-forward expressions outside the flagship Napa Valley portfolio. This Sonoma Coast Chardonnay sources from the cool, fog-moderated Pacific-facing slopes of Sonoma County's maritime zone—elevation 400–800 feet, where morning marine layer delays ripening and preserves natural acidity.

Production approach: Fruit undergoes temperature-controlled fermentation in a mix of stainless steel and neutral oak, with partial malolactic conversion to retain freshness while adding textural weight. Aging occurs in neutral French oak for 4–5 months, minimizing wood dominance and allowing coastal minerality to surface. No new oak is used, a deliberate restraint that distinguishes Decoy from premium-tier Duckhorn bottlings.

The Sonoma Coast designation itself is the special feature—a broader, cooler appellation than Napa Valley, yielding leaner profiles with pronounced salinity and citrus tension. This 2022 vintage reflects the region's moderate growing season, with balanced ripeness and natural alcohol in the 13.5–14% range.