Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Composed of 82.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot and the rest tiny dollops of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, the 2008 Paradise Hills Vineyard Proprietary Red has added considerable richness, weight, texture, nuance and complexity over the last year. Aromas of chocolate, espresso, blackberries, black currants and charcoal/burning embers leads to a full-bodied, expressive, rich wine that is nearly as compelling as the 2007. Dense, full-bodied and already drinkable, it should evolve for 20+ years.
Rating: 95+ -
James Suckling
This is really juicy on the nose with an explosion of red fruits, such as prunes and cherries. It's a little jammy on the palate, but round and rich. Lots of spicy, vanilla and toasted oak on the finish. A little hot. Best after 2014.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Diamond Mountain is the northernmost mountain appellation in the Mayacamas Range, on the northwest side of the valley floor, above the town of Calistoga. Defined mainly by elevation, vineyards are planted at 400 to 2,200 feet.
Diamond Mountain vineyards receive plenty of sunshine at these elevations and are typically above the coastal fog line. But given its western proximity, the area still easily cools down from early morning and late afternoon Pacific Ocean breezes. The AVA (American Viticultural Area) covers 5,000 acres but just over 500 acres are under vine.
Diamond Mountain soils, mainly weathered, red sedimentary rock and decomposed, volcanic ash, are infertile, quick-draining and produce small, thick-skinned grapes, bursting with chewy tannins.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Zinfandel have great success here.
Like other sub-appellations in Napa Valley, the Diamond Mountain area had no shortage of pioneer winemakers. Rudy von Strasser led the effort for Diamond Mountain to acquire AVA status in 1999.