2008 Diamond Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill
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Tasting notes
Diamond Creek's 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill is a bit more open than the Red Rock Terrace. The blue and black-hued fruit is deep, rich and enveloping, while firm, focused tannins provide the backdrop. The Volcanic Hill has power to burn. With time in the glass, hints of smoke, crushed rocks and tar come to life, adding even more intensity and grip. The Volcanic Hill is always likely to be bombastic, but it is also compelling.
Critic scores
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Diamond Creek’s 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill is a bit more open than the Red Rock Terrace. The blue and black-hued fruit is deep, rich and enveloping, while firm, focused tannins provide the backdrop. The Volcanic Hill has power to burn. With time in the glass, hints of smoke, crushed rocks and tar come to life, adding even more intensity and grip. The Volcanic Hill is always likely to be bombastic, but it is also compelling. Anticipated maturity: 2023-2048. Diamond Creek is one of Napa Valley’s historic estates, as anyone who has been fortunate enough to drink the wines from the 1970s can attest. These are some of the most powerful, unapologetically structured wines being made in Napa Valley today. As such, they require considerable patience. Today’s wines are a little more approachable when young than in the past – the result of picking a little riper than was once the custom – but I think it is safe to say that readers who are unfamiliar with this style might be shocked by the sheer tannic heft in these wines when first released. Overall, I found a little more finesse in the 2009s than in the 2008s, but these still remain Cabernets that need significant cellaring. Tel. (707) 942-6926; info@diamondcreekvineyards.com
Dark crimson. Real wine on the nose! Tangy and alive... Ripe but not sweet. Racy texture. Bring on the food! (JR)
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.