California Cabernet Sauvignon 2003
"The vintage shows Napa is still the star"
writes Linda Murphy

The world looks at California Cabernet Sauvignon through Napa Valley eyes, even though just 7,367ha (hectares) of the state’s 31,059ha of Cabernet vines are planted there.

Those in other regions may protest, yet it can’t be denied that Napa Valley is California’s sweet spot for Cabernet; a fortuitous mix of climate, soils and exposures that has commingled with vintners’ determined quest for quality and a spare-no-expense mindset….

...Napa’s Cabernet Sauvignons are concentrated, ripe and rich, with black cherry, cassis, forest floor and sandalwood characteristics, eucalyptus and mint notes often emerge, and the wines have a firm tannin structure (though some, in the pursuit of hedonism, let jammy ripeness obliterate acids and balance).

So Napa it is for Cabernet Sauvignon.

CALIFORNIA CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2003

"The Napa 2003’s are brilliant, benchmark California. The standards are very high" "...Concentrated, ripe and rich..."

DIAMOND CREEK VINEYARDS
2003 RED ROCK TERRACE, Napa Valley

"Lively aroma, minty, highly focused nose. Red berry fruit, vanilla oak, round, medium acid.  Generous attractive tannins and structure. Very classy."

DIAMOND CREEK VINEYARDS
2003 VOLCANIC HILL, Napa Valley

"Intense spice and fruit character. Open, luscious fruit, cola and oriental spice notes. Good acidity."