Proprietor Phil Steinschriber, who is also the winemaker at Diamond Creek Vineyards monitors the vineyards from which these grapes are sourced to pick at the peak of ripeness, knowing that making great wine begins in the vineyard. The wines are cold-soaked for 4 days at 55 degrees and then warmed quickly to extract the color without extracting harsh tannin. The juice is inoculated with yeast and allowed to ferment to almost dryness. The must is pressed sweet to avoid excessive tannin. Aged in small new French barrels for about 27 months, the wine is then bottled and warehoused for integration of its components.
The grapes from the 2014 vintage were sourced from different parts of the Napa Valley Appellation including some from the vineyards on Mt. Veeder. The wines are reminiscent of mountain-grown grapes with some red fruit qualities of the valley floor. This 2014 is a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, some Merlot, and Cabernet Franc with small amounts of Petit Verdot and Malbec. Black and red fruits show through with an accent of vanilla toast in the finish.
Medium-dark ruby color in color with notes of black cherry, oak, dark chocolate, and a dollop of vanilla. Enters sweet with characters of dark chocolate, vanilla, and toast. Excellent mouthfeel, stunning concentrated middle, and a long-lasting finish! Great now, better in 3-6 years.