Diamond Mountain Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon (1986)

About this wine

The 1986 Sterling Vineyards Diamond Mountain Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon offers a complex bouquet of blackcurrant, tobacco, and cedar, reflecting its maturity. On the palate, it presents rich flavors of dark berries, complemented by subtle notes of leather and earthy undertones. The tannins have softened over time, resulting in a smooth and well-integrated structure. This wine originates from the Diamond Mountain District, known for its volcanic soils and elevated vineyards, which contribute to the wine's depth and complexity. As a product of Sterling Vineyards, established in 1964, this Cabernet Sauvignon embodies the winery's commitment to producing high-quality wines that age gracefully.

About the grape

Cabernet Sauvignon, a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, emerged in France in the 17th century. Its thick skins and hardy vines made it a favorite among vintners. In Napa Valley, the grape found a perfect home, thriving in the region's diverse soils and climate. By the 1970s, Napa's Cabernet Sauvignons gained international acclaim, notably during the 1976 Judgment of Paris, where they outperformed esteemed French wines. Sterling Vineyards, established in 1964, capitalized on this momentum, producing notable Cabernets from their Diamond Mountain Ranch, a site known for its volcanic soils and optimal growing conditions.

Quick facts

• 🌋 The 1986 Sterling Vineyards Diamond Mountain Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon hails from the Diamond Mountain District AVA, known for its volcanic soils that impart unique mineral qualities to the wine.
• 🏆 Sterling Vineyards, established in 1964, gained international acclaim when its wine won first place in the Ottawa Wine Tasting of 1981.
• 🧬 Cabernet Sauvignon, the grape variety used in this wine, is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, a discovery made through DNA typing in 1996.
• ☀️ The 1986 vintage in Napa Valley was considered excellent, with favorable weather conditions leading to high-quality wines.
• ⛰️ Diamond Mountain District's higher elevation results in vineyards often being above the fog line, receiving ample sunshine at cooler temperatures than the valley floor, contributing to the wine's complexity.

Palate profile

Producer

Sterling Vineyards, founded in 1964 by British expatriates Peter Newton and Michael Stone, is renowned for its innovative contributions to Napa Valley winemaking. Notably, it produced California's first vintage-dated Merlot in 1969. The winery's architecture, inspired by the Greek island of Mykonos where Newton once lived, features a distinctive white stucco design and is uniquely accessible via an aerial gondola—the only one of its kind at a winery. Perched 300 feet above Calistoga, Sterling offers panoramic views of the Napa Valley, enhancing its reputation as a premier wine destination.