Mission Codename Diamonds Are Forever
Mind-bending! Hair-raising! Rip-roaring! 95 Pointer Diamond Mountain SIngle Vineyard at HALF PRICE? Exhilarating! Make that electrifying! The rugged peak that Diamond Creek iconized, Lokoya popularized, and Robert Craig glorified, is back at The Wine Spies with the MOST AFFORDABLE Cab we’ve EVER SEEN from this invincible appellation. We are dumbfounded, utterly, completely beside ourselves with awe and glee. Join us… hit that buy button rapidly first to not miss out!
This Cab just dazzles from start to finish, starting with striking deeper shades of ruby and purple. Dark inky berries, ripe black cherries, plums, graphite, pencil shavings, and tobacco are some of the harmoniously together elements on the nose. Refined high elevation tannins build up the mouthfeel authoritatively as iron and spices take over. The finish is super-impressive and long, with lingering nuances of blackberry jam and minerality. Fire up the barbecue for this beauty, making sure you use charcoal briquettes to complement the smokiness and chose long and slow-grilled lean cuts cooked to juicy textural perfection.
Wine Spectator highlights Martin Ray’s rendition as a “Reference” Diamond Mountain Cabernet, defining that; “This area shares the austerity, intensity and firm tannins of most mountain appellations. The core of earthy currant and mineral flavors often have a pronounced herbal quality.” With an illustrious history back to the 1940s Martin Ray recently relocated to the Russian River Valley, where winemaker Leslie Renaud collaborates with consultant Keith Emerson of Vineyard 29 and Robert Craig fame for the exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon program.
Here’s what the wine press has to say:
95 Points – James Suckling – “Lots of crushed berries with walnuts and spices. Chocolate, too. Intense, yet subtle. Full body. Lovely center palate. Delicious finish. Better after 2021.”
Tasting Profile
Tasting Profile
Look | Dazzles from start to finish, starting with striking deeper shades of ruby and purple. |
---|---|
Smell | Dark inky berries, ripe black cherries, plums, graphite, pencil shavings, and tobacco. |
Taste | Refined high elevation tannins build up authoritatively as iron and spices take over. |
Finish | Super-impressive and long, with lingering nuances of blackberry jam and minerality. |
Pairing | Fire up the barbecue but with charcoal briquettes for long and slow-grilled lean cuts. |
What the Winery Says
2017 Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winemaker
- Leslie Renaud
- Vintage
- 2017
- Varietal
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
- Appellation
- Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley
- Vineyard
- Andrew Geoffrey Vineyard
- Alcohol
- 14.3%
- Brix at Harvest
- 23.4°
- pH
- 3.82
- Total Acidity
- 5.8 g/L
- Aging
- 18 months
- Barrels
- 80% new French oak