Gravelly Meadow Varietal/Style: Cabernet Sauvignon Origin: Diamond Mountain, Napa Vintage: 1997 Winemaker: Phil Steinschriber Rating: 17/20 Retail Price: $129

Tasting Notes: This wine is made for ageing and while the 1997 is approachable now, it’s still very much a baby. As tannins subside, they reveal the rich earthy and deeply flavored beverage so coveted over the years. You are able to chew on this one for a while and enjoy an infinite finish, which would accompany a lamb loin with mushrooms quite well.
(Date tasted: 06/06/04)

Profile: Los Angeles expatriates Al and Boots Brounstein arrived in Napa in the early 1970s and managed to create a little world of their own. Amongst their hilly 79-acre plot, they managed to carve out 21 acres for the vineyard operation. With three primary vineyards, Red Rock Terrace, Volcanic Hill and Gravelly Meadow, and the tiny Lake Vineyard and Petit Verdot, they aim to consistently produce the best Bordeaux wine possible. We have enjoyed the fruitier, cherry berry Volcanic Hill bottling over the years. Trust us, it’s worth a trip up there. Oh yes, should you want to try some, find a rich friend until you get on the list … since the wine is one hundred percent allocated.

Address:
1500 Diamond Mountain Rd.
Calistoga, CA 94515
Phone: 707-942-6926
Website: www.diamondcreekvineyards.com
Email: info@diamondcreekvineyards.com