Duckhorn Decoy Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

Duckhorn's flagship Napa Cabernet runs $60-80. The Decoy line is their way of getting Duckhorn quality into the $18-24 range, and it works better than any second label has a right to. Black cherry, plum, dried herbs, a touch of mocha from oak. The tannins are approachable but present — this is not soft. It has structure. It has a backbone. It just does not ask you to wait five years before you are allowed to enjoy it. If I were stocking a cellar for someone who wants to drink well every night without opening the serious bottles, I would put a case of Decoy Cab on the bottom rack. It is the bottle you grab when you do not want to think. And that is a compliment.