December 2004

THE YEAR'S BEST
CABERNET SAUVIGNON

94 Diamond Creek
2001 Diamond Mountain, Napa Valley Volcanic Hill Cabernet Sauvignon

The rich language of grand cru cabernet, here spoken with a Diamond Mountain dialect. I'll leave off all the delicious exclamations from my notes and focus on the textural power of the wine, an integration of the red and black cherry fruit with glints of mineral. Altogether opaque as a young wine, this still gives succulence, like a comfort food for kings.

2001 is a great vintage across the range of Diamond Creek's vineyards, and the wines should live long.

(450 cases) (W&S 12/04) Diamond Creek Vineyards, Calistoga, CA

92 Diamond Creek
2001 Diamond Mountain, Napa Valley Gravelly Meadow Cabernet Sauvignon

Of the three Diamond Creek wines, Gravelly Meadow is the earthiest in 2001, an essence of place expressed in gritty power….

(500 cases) (W&S 12/04) Diamond Creek Vineyards, Calistoga, CA

91 Diamond Creek
2001 Diamond Mountain, Napa Valley Red Rock Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon

Both the leanest and most luscious of the Diamond Creek cabernets, Red Rock hides its power and intensity within constricted tannins. With air, the black mineral earthiness develops a violet perfume….

(700 cases) (W&S 12/04) Diamond Creek Vineyards, Calistoga, CA