2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace
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Tasting notes
Starting with the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace, this blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc spent 22 months in new barrels. Its dense purple color is followed by a captivating bouquet of blueberries, cassis, camphor, cedarwood, and dried tobacco leaves. Beautifully textured and medium to full-bodied, with present yet ripe tannins and just about flawless balance, this gorgeous Diamond Mountain Cabernet offers pleasure today yet is going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and should evolve for two decades or so. It's a 2017 well worth seeking out.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
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.
This is riper and richer than the other two single-vineyard reds from here with more density on the palate and a beautiful, velvety texture. It’s full and beautiful. Extremely long and luscious, but still reserved and not too flamboyant. Classic Red Rock Terrace. Give it a few years to come together completely. Better after 2022.
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.