Wine Reviews

When you have a vineyard named for the six-carat diamond of renowned fame for its reputation of being the largest of its kind in the world, there’s a lot to live up to. And after tasting the majestic fruit that comes off this mountain estate at 1,600 feet in elevation, we can attest to its brilliance. While diamonds and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes belong to different realms, one of natural beauty and the other of sensory experience, they each hold a special place in esteemed value. Stunning aromas of s’mores over a campfire lead to blackberries and violets bursting out of the ground, sharing space in an herb garden. Rocky, ashy mineral tones persist, aligned with plum skin tannins. This is a luscious red, ever-changing in the glass.

This Sauvignon Blanc is elegance incarnate, teeming with aristocratic charm. Hints of marmalade, thyme and lime blend seamlessly. Evocative of chalky stone, with tart citrus and a tangy finish, the palate presents a rhythm of flavors that peak and cascade with a musical grace.

Perfumed with black tea, leather, and dark cherry, Altus runs deep. Savory roasted coffee, dark chocolate-covered plum and charred sandalwood make a strong impression. Intense and brilliant in its texture and length.

The blend of 86% Godello and 14% Loureiro offers salty notes of green apple and lemon zest, driven by an intense minerality. Bright acidity adds to its linear, complex profile, with a notably elegant presence.

The fragrance immediately suggests a refined and mature oak treatment. The flavors are a benevolent Pandora’s box that ripple from the glass, including mocha, tobacco leaf, vanilla, leather, peppercorn and oolong tea. There’s dried plum and rosemary and a hint of a humidor. Tannins are stately yet comforting.

Berries are on full display. Dark, luscious bramble fruit and notes of cherry coulis partner elegantly alongside no small amount of nutmeg, coffee and clove, courtesy of an aging regime of 18 months in French and American oak barrels. The palate is lively, the tannins are firm but dripping with finesse.

This is one of the Site Series from Winemaker/Proprietor Jesse Katz, his collection of single vineyard selections crafted for their specific soil types. Del Rio Vineyard is planted on a steep, south-facing slope on chalky, volcanic soils. Brandied cherries, graphite, and a coat of black licorice unite in a luxurious bath of suede-lined tannins. Violets bloom mid-point, with undercurrents of espresso and Worcestershire. It fills the mouth and saturates the soul.

With some Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Merlot, fruit is mostly sourced from mineral-rich hills in Alexander Valley. Lavender soaked in blueberry jam is so luscious, it surprises the senses with a velvety mouthfeel. A touch of oak and mocha latte is a fine pair, ignited by a whisper of white pepper and dusty cocoa tannins.