In the 1960s, Al Brounstein bought a plot of land, in what is now known as Diamond Mountain District, to the north of Napa Valley. Since then, Al’s vision and tenacity has led Diamond Creek Vineyards to produce some of the most sought after, iconic wines from California.
Inspired by a wine appreciation class which he took at the age of 40, Al decided to quit his job as a Salesman to pursue a new calling – to emulate his two favourite wine regions, Bordeaux and Burgundy, in Napa, California.
Diamond Creek Vineyards was founded on the philosophy that different soils impart distinct flavours in a wine. Planted in 1968 on pebbly, brown soil, the Gravelly Meadow Vineyard comprises approximately 2 hectares of the total Diamond Creek estate.
Carefully sorted berries were cold soaked for 4 to 5 days and fermented from 7 to 9 days, pressed at dryness, then barrelled down into select 100% new French oak barriques for élevage of 20 months. Coopers: Tonnellerie Remond, Tonnellerie O, Nadalie, Boutes, Ana.
Harvested 9th November 2019. The 2019 growing season offered superb conditions with parallels in quality to the 2018 vintage with one exception – lower than expected yields. A mild, wet spring gave promise that extended into a long summer with steady ripening. Harvest patiently followed with long hang times and unhurried phenolic ripeness. Selective picks began on the estate in early October followed by careful sorting and focused winemaking.
Aromas of red fruits, cassis, lavender, and rosemary. Rich entry with blueberry, blackberry compote, expanding into liquorice, orange peel, freshly tilled earth, and hints of cacao and mint. Persistent finish, densely textured with threaded acidity.
Napa Valley, California
78% Cabernet Sauvignon
16% Merlot
3% Petit Verdot
2% Malbec
1% Cabernet Franc
Natural Cork
