2009 Diamond Creek, Volcanic Hill, Napa Valley 1x750ml

Robert Parker 96

The most powerful and imposing of the 2009s, Diamond Creek’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill wraps around the palate with blackberries, black currants, tobacco, incense, licorice and smoke. Layers of blue and black fruit, tar and grilled herbs flow through to the huge, full-bodied finish. The Volcanic Hill is the most powerful and tannic of the 2009s, not to mention a clear stand out. The 2009 is loaded with energy and tension, all of which will require many years to fully resolve. Readers will need to be exceptionally patient. Anticipated maturity: 2029-2049. Diamond Creek is one of Napa Valley’s historic estates, as anyone who has been fortunate enough to drink the wines from the 1970s can attest. These are some of the most powerful, unapologetically structured wines being made in Napa Valley today. As such, they require considerable patience. Today’s wines are a little more approachable when young than in the past " the result of picking a little riper than was once the custom " but I think it is safe to say that readers who are unfamiliar with this style might be shocked by the sheer tannic heft in these wines when first released. Overall, I found a little more finesse in the 2009s than in the 2008s, but these still remain Cabernets that need significant cellaring. Tel. (707) 942-6926; info@diamondcreekvineyards.com [Antonio Galloni, 27/12/2012]

Anticipated maturity: 2029-2049

Vinous 96

The most powerful and imposing of the 2009s, Diamond Creek’s 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill wraps around the palate with blackberries, black currants, tobacco, incense, licorice and smoke. Layers of blue and black fruit, tar and grilled herbs flow through to the huge, full-bodied finish. The Volcanic Hill is the most powerful and tannic of the 2009s, not to mention a clear stand out. The 2009 is loaded with energy and tension, all of which will require many years to fully resolve. Readers will need to be exceptionally patient. [Antonio Galloni, 12/01/2012]

Anticipated maturity: 2029-2049