Heritage

A new vision for Napa Cabernet

The first vines were planted in 1968, and the estate quickly became known for its vineyard-designated Cabernets. This was highly unusual in California at the time. Rather than blending the entire property into one wine, Diamond Creek separated its distinct sites and bottled them individually, allowing each soil type and microclimate to speak clearly.

The Rouzaud family chapter

In 2020, 52 years after its founding, Diamond Creek was acquired by the Rouzaud family of Champagne Louis Roederer. The relationship between the Brounstein and Rouzaud families was based on long-standing respect and a shared belief in estate-grown, terroir-driven wine. The acquisition brought Diamond Creek into the Roederer Collection while preserving its singular Napa identity.

Region and Vineyards

Diamond Mountain terroir

Diamond Creek sits on Diamond Mountain in Napa Valley, where elevation, slope, soil variation and air movement create a set of distinct growing conditions within a compact estate. The vineyards sit around 600 feet above sea level and are influenced by warm air from the northeast and cooler air entering through the Mayacamas range. These contrasting influences create notable differences between the vineyard sites.

The estate is small but geologically diverse, with around 20 planted acres divided into four vineyard-designated Cabernet Sauvignon sites. Gravelly Meadow is a cooler, relatively flat site with pebbly, porous soils from a prehistoric riverbed. Red Rock Terrace is a north-facing, steeply terraced vineyard with iron-rich red soils. Volcanic Hill is a warmer, south-facing hillside with light volcanic ash soils. Lake Vineyard is the smallest and rarest site, produced only in exceptional years.

Viticulture and Winemaking

Estate-grown Cabernet Sauvignon

Diamond Creek’s philosophy begins with working its own vineyards. All wines are produced from estate-grown fruit, allowing the team to manage farming, harvest timing and selection with precision. The estate’s approach is rooted in the belief that wine quality depends on caring for the land and preserving the character of each vineyard site.

Organic grape growing is part of the estate’s current direction, reflecting the shared values that brought Diamond Creek into the Roederer Collection. The focus is on maintaining healthy soils, balanced vines and site integrity rather than imposing a uniform style across the vineyards.

Small-scale Napa winemaking

Diamond Creek has always been associated with small-scale, hands-on winemaking. The aim is not to erase the differences between parcels but to preserve them. Each vineyard is vinified and bottled separately, allowing the contrast between gravel, iron-rich red soil and volcanic ash to remain visible in the glass. This estate-led approach has helped define Diamond Creek’s reputation for age-worthy, terroir-driven Cabernet Sauvignon.

Style of Wine

Diamond Creek produces still red wines from solely Cabernet Sauvignon. The wines are structured, long-lived and site-specific, with each vineyard showing a different expression of Diamond Mountain. Gravelly Meadow tends towards elegance, mineral detail and fine tannins. Red Rock Terrace often shows dark cherry, blackcurrant, iron and savoury dried herbs, with a velvety texture. Volcanic Hill is typically the most powerful and age-worthy, with ripe berry fruit, smoky richness and depth.

Lake Vineyard is produced only in rare years when conditions allow, making it the most limited expression in the range. Across the portfolio, Diamond Creek is defined by concentration, structure, freshness and a long view of ageing.

An iconic Napa Cabernet in the UK wine trade

Diamond Creek offers a rare Napa Cabernet proposition with strong collector appeal. The single-vineyard wines suit fine dining, private client sales, independent retail and cellar-focused lists, giving buyers a clear way to present Diamond Mountain terroir through one historic estate.

Visit Diamond Creek’s website.