2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Gravelly Meadow
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Tasting notes
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Gravelly Meadow sparkles on the palate with layers of dark red fruit, mocha, sweet herbs, crushed flowers and spices. Once again the Gravelly Meadow is surprisingly accessible for a young Diamond Creek wine. There is plenty of underlying tannin, however, and my impression is that this is a rare 2009 that hasn't yet begun to close down in bottle. Hints of raspberry jam, cinnamon and cloves add to an impression of softness and sensuality that is unusual for a young Diamond Creek Cabernet.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Gravelly Meadow sparkles on the palate with layers of dark red fruit, mocha, sweet herbs, crushed flowers and spices. Once again the Gravelly Meadow is surprisingly accessible for a young Diamond Creek wine. There is plenty of underlying tannin, however, and my impression is that this is a rare 2009 that hasn’t yet begun to close down in bottle. Hints of raspberry jam, cinnamon and cloves add to an impression of softness and sensuality that is unusual for a young Diamond Creek Cabernet. Anticipated maturity: 2024-2049. Diamond Creek is one of Napa Valley’s historic estates, as anyone who has been fortunate enough to drink the wines from the 1970s can attest. These are some of the most powerful, unapologetically structured wines being made in Napa Valley today. As such, they require considerable patience. Today’s wines are a little more approachable when young than in the past – the result of picking a little riper than was once the custom – but I think it is safe to say that readers who are unfamiliar with this style might be shocked by the sheer tannic heft in these wines when first released. Overall, I found a little more finesse in the 2009s than in the 2008s, but these still remain Cabernets that need significant cellaring. Tel. (707) 942-6926; info@diamondcreekvineyards.com
About the producer
Diamond Creek, Napa’s first single-vineyard Cabernet estate, has defined terroir-driven winemaking since 1968. Founded by Al and Boots Brounstein, the winery pioneered site-specific Cabernet, producing age-worthy wines from Gravelly Meadow, Red Rock Terrace and Volcanic Hill.