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Diamond Mtn. Cabernet Sauvignon Reviews

Score: 95 | December 31, 2022 | Wine Enthusiast

A deep well of dark-fruit flavors grounds this big but well-balanced wine as it laces fine-grained tannins between gorgeous black cherries, black currants and hints of mint and cedar. Smooth on the palate but firm enough to age, this beauty should drink best from 2026.

Score: 92 | October 31, 2022 | Wine Spectator

A lovely beam of creamed raspberry, blueberry and açaí fruit streams through, with a polished structure that lets everything glide through the finish seductively, picking up light anise and sweet bay leaf notes. Drink now through 2035. 88 cases made.

Score: 94 | March 10, 2022 | Jeb Dunnuck

Coming from the northern part of the valley, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon District Collection Diamond Mountain boasts a deep ruby/plum color as well as a vibrant, surprisingly fresh bouquet of blue fruits, cedarwood, tobacco, and iron. Medium to full-bodied and focused, with building, ripe tannins, it shows its mountain origins and will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age. As with all these releases from winemaker Stephanie Putnam, it will have not issues evolving for 15+ years.

Score: 93 | January 1, 2022 | Vinous/Antonio Galloni

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain District is powerful, deep and plush, with a captivating mix of ripe red/purplish fruit and savory hillside nuances that develop over time. Rose petal, lavender, spice and mint linger nicely on the long, articulated finish. The 2019 is beautifully done.

-- Antonio Galloni

Score: 91+ | February 26, 2021 | Wine Advocate

Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon District Collection Diamond Mountain has a deep garnet-purple color and strides confidently out of the glass with classic cassis, cedar, and plum preserves scents followed by hints of graphite, tilled soil and bay leaves plus a waft of woodsmoke. Full-bodied, concentrated and accented by loads of savory/earthy hints, it has a powerful core of dark fruit and a firm frame of rugged mountain tannins, finishing on lingering smoked meats note. Give it a good 4-5 years in bottle for the tannins to settle down and drink it over the next 15+ years. -Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Score: 93 | June 30, 2021 | Wine Spectator

A singed juniper hint leads off, followed quickly by a lush wave of dark fig, boysenberry and blackberry compote flavors. Alluring black tea and wood spice accents swirl in on the finish. Shows lots of mountain-style grip, but this is fine-grained and has fruit to burn. Best from 2022 through 2032 -JM

Score: 91 | February 26, 2021 | Wine Advocate

Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon District Collection Diamond Mountain has a deep garnet-purple color and strides confidently out of the glass with classic cassis, cedar and plum preserves scents followed by hints of graphite, tilled soil and bay leaves plus a waft of woodsmoke. Full-bodied, concentrated and accented by loads of savory/earthy hints, it has a powerful core of dark fruit and a firm frame of rugged mountain tannins, finishing on a lingering smoked meats note. Give it a good 4–5 years in bottle for the tannins to settle down and drink it over the next 15+ years. 115 cases were made. -Lisa Perrotti-Brown

Score: 96 | January 27, 2021 | JebDunnuck.com

This appellation excelled in 2018, and I loved the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon District Collection Diamond Mountain. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon brought up in just under 50% new oak, it offers loads of red and black currant fruit as well as complex baking spice, chocolate, dried herbs, and earthy aromas and flavors. Rich but not heavy, balanced, and beautifully textured, it’s one of the top wines at the under-$100 price point.

Score: 93 | January 1, 2021 | Vinous/Antonio Galloni

The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Diamond Mountain District is a powerful, distinctive wine. Deeply aromatic and savory, the Diamond Mountain Cabernet has a ton of character. Dried herbs, iron, game, scorched earth and tobacco are some of the many aromas and flavors that emerge from this potent yet nuanced Cabernet.

-- Antonio Galloni

Score: 94 | October 29, 2018 | Wine Advocate

Aged in 52% new French oak for 20 months, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon District Collection Diamond Mountain is deep garnet-purple colored and opens with bold black fruit scents of cassis, prunes and baked blackberries with touches of espresso, dark chocolate, asphalt and black soil. The palate is full-bodied, rich and concentrated with firm, fine-grained tannins and a long savory finish. 100 cases produced.

Score: 91 | October 16, 2017 | Wine Enthusiast

This 100% varietal wine from the rocky, mountainous appellation offers sizable tannins and robust, smoky leather, black pepper and cola notes. Full-bodied and concentrated with ripe black fruit, it’s a long, brawny experience. 

Score: 92 | September 30, 2017 | Wine Spectator

Fresh and lively, with a vibrant core of mineral, crushed rock, graphite, juicy plum and blackberry fruit that stays on point, ending with a long, detailed finish and the kind of fine-grained tannins that bode well for the future. Best from 2019 through 2029. 180 cases made.
–JL

Score: 92 | December 31, 2015 | Wine Enthusiast

High-intensity and reflective of its mountainous heritage, this 100% varietal wine is elegant and velvety, despite its thick tannin structure. It offers equal components of berry pie, black pepper and cardamon. Smooth on the palate, it’s ready now, well made and in balance.  — V.B.  

Score: 92 | November 15, 2015 | Wine Spectator

A gorgeous Cabernet, combining rich, firm, vivid raspberry, blackberry, currant and dusty oak flavors with a loamy, crushed rock— and graphite-accented minerality that gives the tannins traction on the finish. Drink now through 2028. – JL