2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace is a dark, powerful wine. It is also richer and more immediate than has been the norm here in the past. Bold and racy in the glass with tremendous fruit density, the 2016 is packed with a whole range of super-ripe red cherry and red plum fruit flavors. Spice, floral and licorice overtones add a pretty upper register to this expressive and surprisingly accessible young Diamond Creek Cabernet. Readers won't have to cellar the 2016 too long - that much is clear. The 2016 was done with 120% new oak, which means 100% new in the first year and another 20% new in the second year, which I don't think this wine really needs. That said, the oak is very nicely balanced.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Made up of 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace is very deep purple-black colored and features profound notions of plum preserves, blackcurrant cordial, Black Forest cake and espresso with suggestions of black tea, fertile loam, cardamom and menthol plus a waft of charcuterie. Medium to full-bodied, the palate packs in the taut, muscular black fruit and savory layers, framed by very ripe, very firm, grainy tannins and seamless freshness, finishing with epic length and depth.
The aromas of blueberries, blackberries and spices are impressive. Black licorice and iodine. Full-bodied, very linear and tight with a beautiful mouthfeel. Extremely long and polished. Lingering finish. So beautiful now, but better in 2022.
About the producer
Diamond Creek, Napa’s first single-vineyard Cabernet estate, has defined terroir-driven winemaking since 1968. Founded by Al and Boots Brounstein, the winery pioneered site-specific Cabernet, producing age-worthy wines from Gravelly Meadow, Red Rock Terrace and Volcanic Hill.