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Manage Subscriptions1978 Diamond Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill
Cabernet Sauvignon
- USA
- California
- Napa Valley
- Diamond Mountain
Community Tasting Notes 34
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acyso wrote: 98 points
May 1, 2024 - To Tony (La Grange Park, IL): From magnum. Mind-boggling how obnoxiously young this is. Served blind, I'd probably guess something like 1991 (though it's not as fruit-forward and ripe) or 1992 (probably a better guess). There's a bit of chocolate and cacao going on with this wine, but coupled with the way the fruit shows (secondary at best) and how youthful those big tannins are here, it all works in perfect balance. That this feels kind of chewy on the palate says all you need to know about the further ageability of this. I only hope I can cross paths with a bottle of this again in the future.
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aquacongas wrote: 96 points
March 3, 2024 - blind, side by side with the 1974
Both bottles were in perfect shape. Most of us guessed Bordeaux, some California. Very elegant, not fruit dominated, refreshing acidity. We were all much younger. The 74 slightly outshined the great 78. 96-97 -
Windacre in the Slope Likes this wine: 96 points
December 29, 2023 - Not quite as exceptional as the last bottle, but that’s not a dig. Rich and full of life, smoky and leathery, blind I’d think it was Bordeaux. Had along a 67 mouton, and this was the head and shoulders winner. With steak dinner though the mouton paired better, this drank better solo.
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wcf1946 wrote: 88 points
October 7, 2023 - Unfortunately in decline. A friend brought to dinner at our house tonight. He bought it upon release 45 years ago. It was not stored in ideal conditions, mostly at room temperature, hence the condition. Muted and stale nose, but great dark garnet color, no hint of oxidation in appearance. 3/4 neck fill. Cork 3/4 saturated and broke off upon opening. Lots of sediment. Little finish and tannins, distinct stale and tired taste. It was drinkable, however, and we drank the entire bottle.
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Windacre in the Slope Likes this wine: 97 points
June 4, 2023 - Wow, what a wine. Was really concerned as the cork had been leaking and after standing upright for a day had fallen out into the wine. Decanted and let open for 2-3 hours. Beautiful nose, elegant earthy and minerals, harmonious. Deep rich color. Vibrant as hell, earthy and still tannic, mid palate hit of vanilla and a long soft finish. Chewy. Yum. Didn’t know what to expect at all, but boy was I not disappointed.
Pro Reviews 7
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By John Gilman
Sep/Oct 2021, Issue #95, Recently-Tasted American Wines Autumn 2021(Cabernet Sauvignon “Volcanic Hill”- Diamond Creek Vineyards (Napa)) Subscribe to see review text.
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By John Gilman
Jan/Feb 2017, Issue #67, The Magnificent 1978 Vintage of California Cabernet Sauvignon(Diamond Creek “Volcanic Hill” Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa)) Subscribe to see review text.
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By John Gilman
Jan/Feb 2014, Issue #49, Another Round of Recently Tasted Old School and Neo-Classical American Wines(Diamond Creek “Volcanic Hill” Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa)) Subscribe to see review text.
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By John Gilman
May/Jun 2007, Issue #9, The Golden Age of California Cabernet Sauvignon :The Decades of the 1960s and 1970s(Diamond Creek “Volcanic Hill” Cabernet Sauvignon) Subscribe to see review text.
Vintage Tastings
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By John Kapon
Cali Cabs Then and Somewhat Now plus Top 100 Weekend Teaser, 4/10/2005(Diamond Creek .Volcanic Hill.) Subscribe to see review text.
RJonWine.com
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By Richard Jennings
9/9/2012 (link) 93 points(Diamond Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill) Very dark red violet color with slight bricking; herb, sage, tart black currant, tart plum, brett nose; maturing, softer and more resolved than the '78 Red Rock Terrace, tart black fruit, tar, mineral palate with a touch of sage and green herbs; medium-plus finish 93+ points (12.5% alcohol)
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By Richard Jennings
5/29/2008 (link) 92 points(Diamond Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill) Group's #1 (my #6) – 43 pts; 3 1st place votes, 3 2nd place votes, 2 thirds, 1 last place – Dark red color with pale meniscus; high pitched, thin, ripe cherry, dried cherry, ripe raspberry and VA nose; tangy, dried currant, cherry and very tart plum palate, resolved but grippy tannins; medium-plus finish
Wine Definition
- Vintage 1978
- Type Red
- Producer Diamond Creek
- Varietal Cabernet Sauvignon
- Designation n/a
- Vineyard Volcanic Hill
- Country USA
- Region California
- SubRegion Napa Valley
- Appellation Diamond Mountain
Community Holdings
- Pending Delivery 5 (2%)
- In Cellars 204 (69%)
- Consumed 88 (30%)
Food Pairing
Who Likes This Wine
More About This Wine
Articles
- ProducerDiamond Creek
- VarietyCabernet Sauvignon
- CountryUSA
- RegionCalifornia
- SubRegionNapa Valley
- AppellationDiamond Mountain
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- Wine1978 Diamond Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill (add)
- FamilyDiamond Creek Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill (add)
- ProducerDiamond Creek
- VarietalCabernet Sauvignon
- VineyardVolcanic Hill (add)
- CountryUSA
- RegionCalifornia
- SubRegionNapa Valley
- AppellationDiamond Mountain