Red Rock Terrace (1986)
SommeliAI Insights
A mature Cabernet Sauvignon with rich flavors of dark cherry, black currant, and subtle herbal notes.
About this wine
The 1986 Red Rock Terrace from Diamond Creek Vineyards offers a complex bouquet of dark cherry and black currant, complemented by hints of tea, iron, and savory dried herbs. On the palate, it presents a rich and concentrated profile, with vibrant currant and black cherry flavors, accompanied by notes of tar, sage, and spice. The wine's velvety tannins provide a smooth texture, leading to a long and satisfying finish. Sourced from a seven-acre, north-facing vineyard with iron-rich, red rocky soil, this wine reflects the unique terroir of Diamond Creek's Red Rock Terrace.
About the grape
Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape known for its thick skins and resilience, was the sole varietal planted at Diamond Creek Vineyards in 1968, marking it as California's first estate dedicated exclusively to this grape. The Red Rock Terrace vineyard, established that same year, spans seven acres of steep, north-facing terraces with iron-rich, red-tinted soil. This unique terroir contributes to the vineyard's warm microclimate, influencing the cultivation and characteristics of the Cabernet Sauvignon grown there. The 1986 vintage from this vineyard showcases the distinct qualities imparted by this specific site.
Quick facts
- 🍷 The Red Rock Terrace vineyard, established in 1968, spans approximately 7 acres and is renowned for its iron-rich, red-tinted soil, which imparts unique characteristics to the wine.
- 🌄 Positioned on a steep, north-facing slope, the vineyard receives less direct sunlight, contributing to the wine's distinctive flavor profile.
- 🍒 The 1986 vintage of Red Rock Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon is celebrated for its dark, ripe, and concentrated flavors, featuring vibrant currant, black cherry, tar, sage, and spice notes.
- 🏞️ Diamond Creek Vineyards was a pioneer in Napa Valley, being the first California estate to produce only Cabernet Sauvignon and to bottle wines from distinct vineyard sites, highlighting the unique terroir of each.
- ⏳ The 1986 Red Rock Terrace has demonstrated remarkable aging potential, with critics noting its complexity and depth even decades after its release.
Palate profile
Producer
Diamond Creek Vineyards, established in 1968 by Al and Boots Brounstein, is renowned as Napa Valley's first exclusively Cabernet Sauvignon estate vineyard. The winery is distinguished by its three distinct vineyards—Volcanic Hill, Gravelly Meadow, and Red Rock Terrace—each with unique soil compositions that impart distinctive characteristics to their wines. In 2020, the estate was acquired by the French luxury goods company Louis Roederer, marking a new chapter in its storied history. Diamond Creek's commitment to terroir-driven wines has solidified its reputation among connoisseurs worldwide.
