2019 Diamond Mountain Vineyard Cabernet Franc – A Spectacular Wine and Treat
The Winery
Photo from Diamond Mountain Winery site
The winery sits on top of Diamond Mountain Vineyard in the northwest corner of Napa Valley at 2200 feet elevation. It was first settled in 1895 by Andras Rasmussen. After studying viticulture at UC Davis, Andras purchased 120 forested acres on the top of Diamond Mountain. He cleared 30 acres and planted the grapevines at the summit.
When prohibition came it was let go to be natural. Then in 1993 Fred and Mary Constant purchased the vineyard with the land overgrown and wild. Their first wine under Philippe Melka came in 1995. The current consulting winemaker is Paul Hobbs with his first vintage being the 2009. Current winemaker and General Manager is Kevin Vecchiarelli continuing a long standing tradition of quality production.
The next change was in 2016 when Aries Liu and Sai You became the property’s caretakers. This beautiful piece of property produces some of the most elegant, rich and powerful Bordeaux varietals Napa has to offer as well as other varietals. The wines offered today are: Rose, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Claret and their Cabernet Franc.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Diamond Mountain Vineyard’s 2019 Cabernet Franc was a winner once again at 4th Annual International Cabernet Franc Wine Competition (March 29th, 2023). The Professional Judges awarded them both a Gold Medal and Best of Class in the $101 and up price category!
The Wine 2019 Diamond Mountain Vineyard “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine from the mountain top of Diamond Mountain is a “beast” like none other! With being above the fog, the growing season produces luscious, dark and rich fruit. First on the eyes, it is so dark, almost a reddish black coloring with a medium heavy viscosity. On the nose a fragrant but soft lavender fills the senses with cherry coming in as a secondary aroma. Once on the palate, it bursts frist with blueberry and blackberry then opens up with plum and a forest mountain earthiness. The finish is long with silky smooth tannins but a strong structure is present along with a soft oak. This wine was sheer enjoyment. Less than 100 cases were produced and it sells for $200/bottle. The wine is 15.4% alcohol. This truly is a collector’s wine and will age for 10-14 years without a doubt.
The Food and Wine Pairing “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Paired with a BBQ’ed filet mignon seared at 1200 degrees and served medium rare. Topped off with a Bleu cheese, chive butter and accompanied by a Yukon Gold potato and sautéed fresh summer squash, peppers and zucchini. The wine was a perfect delight with this meal and a special treat.
Sláinte,
Michael