Sterling Vineyards Diamond Mountain Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 05

92 Points - YEAR'S BEST, Wine & Spirits
"...this cabernet has the cool feel of a Diamond Mountain red. The floral cherry flavors are direct and simple, while time in oak has brought a lovely textural weave to the tannin, lengthening the flavors without diminishing their freshness."

Our 2005 Diamond Mountain Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon celebrates the mountain terroir of a vineyard high above Napa Valley. Inky, intense and complex, this wine speaks volumes about mountain-grown fruit. “Our Diamond Mountain Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon is strikingly different in varietal expression; it’s packed with concentrated, wild blackberry character that defines briary,” says Winemaker Mike Westrick. “The rich aromatics and dense flavors are layered with delicious wild berries, cassis, bittersweet chocolate, cigar box and oak spice. The muscular tannins support the powerful flavors clear through the persistent finish.” We tamed the mountain-intense flavors and tannins with gentle winemaking, keeping the wine’s inherent complexity while giving elegance and balance. After 18 months of aging in predominantly French oak barrels, the wine was blended with small amounts of Merlot and Petit Verdot.

You Save $312