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 light, fluffy, ashy soil, the Volcanic Hill Vineyard comprises approximately 3 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 barreled down into 100% new select French oak barriques for élevage of 21 months.
Coopers: Tonnellerie Remond, Tonnellerie O, Nadalie, Boutes and Ana.
The 2018 vintage gifted us a near-perfect growing season beginning in late February and unfolding into extended ripening and a slow, deliberate harvest beginning October 8 and ending November 6.
Volcanic Hill is typically the last wine to be tasted in the line up of the three Cabernets from Diamond Creek. Aromas of cassis, black liquorice, and bay leaf and ripe black cherries lift from the glass. Rich and elegant tannins, and a labyrinth of blackberries on the palate lead to plum, cardamom, espresso, and scented earth that make it alluring in youth but will age well beyond.
Napa Valley, California
75.9% Cabernet Sauvignon
12.5% Merlot
8.7% Malbec
2.8% Petit Verdot
Natural Cork
