At a glance

Producer

Diamond Creek Vineyards

Region

Napa Valley, California, USA

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

$275-$325 USD

Tasting profile

Rich black cherry, blackberry, cassis, graphite, crushed stone minerality, and cigar box nuances

Evolution: Over next 5-10 years, expect secondary notes of truffle, leather, forest floor, and subtle balsamic lift

At peak: Complex layers of fruit and earth harmonize with polished tannins and lingering finish

Structure

Acidity

Moderate to high acidity providing freshness and ageability

Tannins

Firm and well-structured ripe tannins

Alcohol

Approximately 14.5% ABV

Aging potential

20-25+ years based on quality, producer, and vintage characteristics

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2049

Optimal window

2024 to 2052

Current status

Approaching early maturity, still evolving

Current condition

Tannins and acidity are integrated, primary fruit still vibrant with emerging tertiary complexity

This wine comes from Diamond Creek Vineyards' renowned single vineyard 'Volcanic Hill' site characterized by volcanic soils imparting dense minerality and structure. The 2017 vintage in Napa Valley is regarded as excellent, providing ripe phenolic maturity and balance that supports extended aging. Top-tier Napa Cabernet Sauvignons from historic sites like Diamond Creek typically peak in 10-20 years post vintage, with continued evolution thereafter.

Food pairing

Pairs well with grilled ribeye, venison, robust mushroom dishes, aged cheeses (like gouda or pecorino), and dark chocolate desserts

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften the firm tannins and open the complex aromatics

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Utilizes careful water conservation measures such as drip irrigation; energy efficiency in winery operations; minimization of chemical inputs; focuses on natural site expression through low intervention winemaking

While not fully certified organic or biodynamic, Diamond Creek is committed to environmental stewardship with thoughtful vineyard management to maintain soil health and biodiversity. Water use is optimized in drought-sensitive California. The relatively local supply chain to U.S. markets reduces carbon transport footprint compared to imports. Packaging is conventional, so slight gains could be made with lighter bottles or alternative packaging.