Today we share one of the electric, older houses in Napa. Diamond Creek began back in 1967 with the creation of the first single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon wine as well as the first $100 bottle of wine from Napa. This was very novel at the time and Diamond Creek proprietors the Brounsteins created three different wines to show each individual soil type in the vineyard which were all produced separately. At the time thee was nothing close to this made in the Napa Valley.
I love the wines for their aging potential and power with some restraint. These are wines that are not flavor bombs but have terrific acidity and really show off the soil chatter marvelously.
The new 2022 wines are simply magical across the board. Despite the heat spikes at harvest, they have somehow captured bright acidity in the bottle. I adored the 2022 Diamond Creek ‘Volcanic Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 98) which is already showing beautifully and has magical flavor range. These retail around $300 USD. They are collectors item that would be perfect for a special occasion. Learn more about this famed estate at https://www.diamondcreekvineyards.com and here are my notes on the new 2022 Diamond Creek releases.
2022 Diamond Creek ‘Three Vineyard Blend’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Diamond Creek ‘Three Vineyard Blend’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the three estate sites and was stored in new French oak before bottling. Alluring violets mark the nose alongside pencil lead, chocolate and shades of cassis. The palate is rich and velvety, as refined tannins frame a brilliant core of black fruits, with Arabica bean and rocky soil accents. Drink 2025-2042- 96
2022 Diamond Creek ‘Volcanic Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The stunning 2022 ‘Volcanic Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon can benefit from an hour or two in the decanter. It is silky and refined stuff with fabulous stony character. It comes off lush and rich on the mouth, with blueberry compote, wild blackberry and freshly tilled rocky soils on the palate, alongside mocha notes. Showing great depth and poise considering the heat of the vintage, this will live on for another several decades — but is flat out fabulous to enjoy in its full-throttle youth. Drink 2025-2042- 98
2022 Diamond Creek ‘Gravelly Meadow’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Diamond Creek ‘Gravelly Meadow’ Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from this slightly cooler location in their estate which is set on pebbly soils. Gorgeous red and dark florals meld well with Cuban cigar, sandalwood and tar aromatics. The palate is plush and rich with terrific stony essence, depth and flavor density. A glorious core of dark fruits greets you alongside refined tannins. Exceedingly good in its heady youth, give this an hour in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2025-2042- 98
2022 Diamond Creek ‘Red Rock Terrace’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2022 Diamond Creek ‘Red Rock Terrace’ comes from this seven acre site with steep soils that are rocky, red-tinted and high in oxidized iron. Wet stone combines with shades of dark currents, tobacco leaf and creme de violette on the nose. The palate has terrific depth and weight with great iron character alongside a dense core of dark fruits and chocolate. Seriously good to enjoy now, watch this evolve over the next fifteen to twenty years to come. Drink 2025-2042- 97