Winemaker Notes
Volcanic Hill is the longest lived of Diamond Creek wines. The wines are full bodied and loaded with intense ripe berry fruit, cassis, violets and a smoky richness, finishing with good length and firm tannins.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill is composed of 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, 1% Merlot and 1% Cabernet Franc. It was aged for 22 months in French oak, 100% new. Medium to deep garnet in color, it needs a little coaxing to reveal profound notes of chocolate-covered mint, kirsch, blackcurrant pastilles and tobacco leaf with nuances of cedar chest, new leather and pencil lead. The medium-bodied palate is chock-full of black and red fruit flavors plus tons of earthy/savory accents and a firm yet plush texture, finishing with epic length and loads of provocative mineral and spice nuances. The stated alcohol is just 13.5%, but the intensity and energy of this wine make it seem weightier.
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Decanter
The most inward of Diamond Creek three Cabernets. Restrained on the nose, where black-fruited and herbal aromas emerge with air. The palate is plush and rich before a long, nervy finish that unfolds impressively. Needs considerable time, but fascinating to taste alongside its siblings. A 2011 trio to buy!
Drinking Window 2025 - 2040
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Vinous
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill is quite potent in this tasting. Plum, menthol, graphite, leather and dark spice gradually open over time. My impression is that the fruit will fade before the imposing tannins soften. For that reason, I would prefer to drink this sooner rather than later. The 2011 is the sort of wine that is likely to offer only a brief window during which all the elements are in some sort of balance.
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.