2016
Diamant Blend
92 Points – Wine Spectator!
A Single Vineyard Proprietary Red Wine Blend from Diamond Mountain!
$58.00 /750ml
| Vintage | 2016 |
|---|---|
| Wine Style | Red Wine |
| Varietal | Proprietary Red Wine Blend |
| Varietal Composition | 62% Merlot 32% Cabernet Franc 6% Petit Verdot |
| Appellation | Diamond Mountain District |
| Harvest Date | October 12, 2016 |
| Barrel Aging | 22 Months in 100% French Oak, 80% New Oak |
| Ageability | 12-15 Years |
| Bottling Date | August 8, 2018 |
| Alcohol | 14.8% |
| Size | 750 ml |
| Cases Produced | 149 |
Ripe and well-structured, with notes of dried beef to the plum compote and dark cherry flavors that turn chocolatey in the midpalate. Finely-textured finish, with notes of dried green herbs. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2024.—K.M. 92 Points, Wine Spectator
Tasting Notes
Our 2016 “Diamant” continues to deliver a beautiful blend of aromatics and flavors from the three grape varieties that comprise it. With a greater percentage of Cabernet Franc than previously, the nose takes on notes of blackberry, cocoa and caramel along with a light touch of black pepper. On the palate, red fruits come through with red cherry and cherry pie and the darker fruit of blueberry, all balanced with soft, plush tannins. A truly balanced wine providing a wonderful finish in the mouth! Ready to enjoy now, this wine will age well for the next 10 -12 years.
Production Notes
With significant winter rains, our soils had ample moisture for the greater part of the growing season. Early warmth and all that moisture created a challenge in controlling vine growth with lots of canopy work required early and throughout the growing months. Somewhat cooler on average than 2015, the consistent temperatures provided excellent conditions for fruit development and, for us up at elevation, the two well-timed heat spikes in June and late July pushed the vines to veraison in early August. The weather remained consistent and uneventful allowing for slow brix accumulation and phenolics to develop and mature. 2016 is another stellar vintage for Napa growers and vintners and especially for us on Diamond Mountain. The growing conditions of 2016 provided for wines with deep color, wonderful aromatics, pronounced varietal flavors and strong tannic structure.
Vineyard Designation
SummitVine Ranch
Vineyard Notes
100% Sophie’s Vineyard at approx. 1600′ elevation