Diamond Creek
Diamond Creek has been acquired by Louis Roederer following the sad passing of Adelle "Boots" Brounstein in 2019. This Napa icon is added to a glittering list of properties that includes Château Pichon Lalande in Pauillac and Merry Edwards in Sonoma.
Diamond Creek was founded on Diamond Mountain by Al and Boots Brounstein in 1967. The first vines were planted in 1968. Incredibly, Brounstein smuggled the original vines cuttings from Bordeaux into California (via Mexico) and contrary to the fashion at the time, where vines were mainly planted on the Napa Valley floor, planted on 32 hectares of the steep-sided slopes of the mountain.
The new winery’s site-specific, Burgundian “Cru” approach to making Cabernet Sauvignon was also revolutionary in California at the time. Diamond Creek was the first Napa winery to make a wine exclusively from Cabernet Sauvignon and, at the time, they were only the second producer in the state to use vineyard designations on their labels. Diamond Creek wines have been made using the same small scale, hand-made approach ever since, always from 100% estate-grown fruit. It was Al’s vision, determination and conviction that led Diamond Creek’s “Cru Cabernets” to preface the rise of the Cult Cabs in California.
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Vinous (98)
A rich, tannic wine, the 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon Gravelly Meadow is going to need a great deal of time to come together. Crème de cassis, inky blue/purplish fruit, menthol, graphite and smoke give the wine its arresting allure and vibrancy, but the tannins are searing in their intensity. This exceptionally beautiful, powerful wine is destined for a long life.HK$14,660.00 -
Vinous (94)
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Gravelly Meadow is ample and full in feel. Dark fruit, scorched earth, licorice, chocolate, spice, leather and menthol fill out the layers effortlessly. Somber and brooding, the Gravelly Meadow has a lot going on. It clearly needs time to be at its best. Firm hillside tannins add to a feeling of gravitas. There is real weight and substance here.HK$10,045.00 -
James Suckling (98)
Crushed stone fruit, blackcurrants, bay leaf, iodine and seaweed. Full-bodied with blue fruit, firm tannins and super length. It’s austere and so focused. Great length. Needs time to open and show its true self. Harkens back to the late 1970s. Try after 2026.HK$17,690.00 -
Vinous (93)
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace is soft, open-knit and inviting, especially for a Diamond Creek wine. Inky red/purplish fruit, iron, cedar, tobacco, licorice, sweet French oak and dried herbs add pretty layers of nuance. The French oak (100% new) seems a bit much. It will be interesting to see how the 2017 develops in the coming years.HK$10,045.00 -
James Suckling (96)
Blackberries, blueberries, crushed stones, tile and violets. Medium-to full-bodied with fine, silky tannins. Tight, polished and lightly austere. Sweet fruit in the mid-palate. This needs at least four to five years to open and come together. Best after 2026.HK$18,670.00
