2009 Diamond Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace
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Tasting notes
Established 1968. 508 c/s produced. Soils full of oxidised iron – hence red rock. North-facing slopes. In the mid 80s, Diamond Creek was one of the first to charge $100 for a bottle. Highly distinctive nose. Extremely mineral. Gorgeously dry texture with great freshness. A note of perfumed tea – like blackcurrant-infused black tea. Blackcurrant comes out with air. Tarry savoury mineral palate. And more earthy and tarry as it opens up. (JH)
Critic scores
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace boasts serious depth and power, but it appears to be holding all of the elements very much in reserve. Hints of camphor, tar, menthol, wild flowers and dark fruit open up gradually over time. Constantly changing in the glass, the 2009 is endowed with superb energy and tension. It is also incredibly inward and in need of considerable cellaring.
The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace boasts serious depth and power, but it appears to be holding all of the elements very much in reserve. Hints of camphor, tar, menthol, wild flowers and dark fruit open up gradually over time. Constantly changing in the glass, the 2009 is endowed with superb energy and tension. It is also incredibly inward and in need of considerable cellaring. 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.