2017 Diamond Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace Napa Valley

JS97 This is riper and richer than the other two single-vineyard reds from here with more density on the palate and a beautiful, velvety texture. It’s full and beautiful. Extremely long and luscious, but still reserved and not too flamboyant. Classic Red Rock Terrace. Give it a few years to come together completely. Better after 2022.
JD96 Starting with the 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace, this blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc spent 22 months in new barrels. Its dense purple color is followed by a captivating bouquet of blueberries, cassis, camphor, cedarwood, and dried tobacco leaves. Beautifully textured and medium to full-bodied, with present yet ripe tannins and just about flawless balance, this gorgeous Diamond Mountain Cabernet offers pleasure today yet is going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and should evolve for two decades or so. It’s a 2017 well worth seeking out.
WA95+ The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc and was aged for 22 months in French oak, 100% new. Deep garnet-purple colored, the nose opens with profound notions of blueberry preserves, Black Forest cake and black olives with hints of camphor, pencil shavings and fragrant earth. Full-bodied, rich, ripe and concentrated, it has a solid structure of grainy tannins and a lively line of freshness, finishing long and perfumed.