Grapelive Daily Pick

By Kerry Winslow

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diamondcreek87.gif1987 Diamond Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill Vineyard Napa Valley.
Diamond Creek, the first “Cult” Cabernet in California, is still a classic and considered a “First Growth” for the new world and have for decades made world class Cabernet. I have been lucky enough to have been able to try a few Diamond Creek wines and barrel samples even, along with having long chats with Al and Boots Brounstein the owners, enjoying the stories and energy of these remarkable people, sadly Al passed away a few years back leaving a huge void in the wine world. This 1987 vintage of Volcanic Hill is amazing and still very youthful and fresh, a mind blowing wine that ranks up there with 1982 and 1989 Bordeaux! The nose is full and bright with touches of black olive and boysenberry jam, not giving much hint of the age, and showing subtle sweetness or flowers and dark fruits before a very Bordeaux like tour de force on the palate with lush layers of blackberry, currants, plums and cassis. This vibrant wine has a background of classic flavors that include tobacco(cigar), pencil lead, spice box, sage and licorice with a woody cedar element that is pure class. Everything is near perfect, even with this age this Cab still pours on the power and richness. The French oak shows a tiny bit of vanilla and smoke, while framing this wonderful wine and lifting the fruit with stately elegance.  This wine is clear and holds up with only a small amount of tealeaf sediment at the bottom and on the shoulder, so pour carefully or decant. Considering this is 2009, almost 2010, this wine has stood the test of time and won! This is utterly glorious mature Cabernet that surpasses all expectations, after an hour it only just begins to hint at age with some slight stewed fruit notes barely coming through. ($150-275 Est.) 97 Points, grapelive

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