An amazing Napa house, Diamond Creek was actually the first single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon wine as well as the first $100 bottle of wine from Napa. This was unique 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.
The wines were exceptional in 2022. They were even better in 2023. I adored the 2023 Diamond Creek ‘Volcanic Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon (OB, 99) which is a dizzying bottling that flirts with perfection. 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 2023 Diamond Creek releases.
2023 Diamond Creek ‘Three Vineyard Blend’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Diamond Creek ‘Three Vineyard Blend’ Cabernet Sauvignon shows rocky soils and violets as well as asphalt tones that combine on the nose. The palate is refined and elegant with a silky mouthfeel and great sense of weight and verve. Concentrated and powerful, yet light on its feet, enjoy now and over the next fifteen plus years to come. Drink 2026-2042- 96
2023 Diamond Creek ‘Volcanic Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The knockout 2023 ‘Volcanic Hill’ Cabernet Sauvignon really needs about an hour in the decanter before enjoying. Once on the nose this takes on layers of volcanic rock, anise and creme de cassis with shades of creme de violette and tar. The palate is impeccably balanced, and undeniably rocky. A silky combination of black and blue fruits greet you alongside sensational terroir in the glass. Elegant with a serious mineral backbone and refined tannins, enjoy now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2026-2046- 99
2023 Diamond Creek ‘Gravelly Meadow’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2023 Diamond Creek ‘Gravelly Meadow’ Cabernet Sauvignon icomes from this estate vineyard set on small pebbles. Espresso grounds and blueberry compote combine with fresh sage and shades of wet rock all combine on the nose. The palate is plush and elegant with a serious weight and tension on the mouth, alongside pretty blue fruits and dark florals. This is a stunning wine that has many decades in front of it. Drink 2026-2046- 99
2023 Diamond Creek ‘Red Rock Terrace’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The dizzying 2023 Diamond Creek ‘Red Rock Terrace’ was sourced from this seven acre vineyard set on comes from this seven acre site with steep, iron-rich soils. Anise, scorched earth and dried herbs all mark the nose alongside crushed wet gravel on the nose. The palate has amazing power and verve, alongside a core of silky black and blue fruits with Turkish coffee notes. A stunning wine that has a long life in front of it, enjoy now and over the next twenty years to come. Drink 2026-2046- 99