Images Courtesy of Suzanne Becker Bronk
The Diamond Mountain District AVA is a Napa Valley Appellation located in the northwestern corner of Napa County. The name Diamond Mountain District was inspired by the reflective shards of volcanic glass material found throughout the soil.
The Diamond Mountain AVA is a sub appellation of the Napa Valley AVA located in northwestern Napa County. The Diamond Mountain District rises up into the east side of the Mayacamas mountains, southeast of Calistoga and is named after the prodigious amounts of obsidian and volcanic glass present in the volcanic soils.
The Diamond Mountain District AVA benefits from its relatively higher elevation by facing less extreme heat than the valley floor and typically remains frost-free during the winter months. Though the Diamond Mountain District lives in the warmer northern end of Napa Valley, the Diamond Creek river drainage allows a channel of cool air to penetrate the hillside, prolonging the growing season and mitigating late season heat spikes. Furthermore, as the majority of vineyards are east-facing, they are protected from the hot afternoon sun. These factors, along with the elevation and meager soils, combine to make for powerful ripe wines that are rich in sturdy tannins and bright acidity.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the dominant grape. The soils are primarily volcanic in origin though aren’t as red in hue as found regularly across the valley. As with Mount Veeder, much of the terrain of Diamond Mountain is too severe to be cultivated, so the majority of the mountain remains covered in thick redwoods.
The history of Diamond Mountain District as a wine growing area begins in 1862, when Jacob Schram purchased property on the east side of Diamond Mountain for the purposes of planting grape vines. He had previously worked as a barber in White Sulpher Springs and Napa City before moving to Diamond Mountain for his health. Schram and his wife went into the fields themselves and planted a small section of grapevines. From this humble beginning, "Schramsberger" wine went on to become one of the most recognizable brands in the world. To this day Schramsberg winery still bears his name.
Similar to other appellations in Napa Valley, wine production in Diamond Mountain District diminished during the outbreak of Phylloxera in the 1890's and then Prohibition in the 1920's. However, in the mid-1960's wine production returned to Diamond Mountain when the old Schramsberg property was purchased by Jack and Jamie Davies. Other winemakers returned as well in through the 1960's and 1970's, with Al Brounstein, Rudy Von Strasser and Andre Tchelistcheff developing vineyards in the area.
"Diamond Mountain District wines feature great tannin structure and rather than big red fruit like raspberry or blackberry, there are lovely blue fruit characters, plum, currant, cherry, fruit flavors with wonderful structure and minerality."
- Dawnine Dyer, Dyer Wine
The Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon comes from vineyards located in the Mayacamas Mountain Range west of Napa Valley near Calistoga. The steep volcanic hillsides are known for producing deeply concentrated, small-berry fruit. At an elevation approaching nearly 1,700 feet, these vineyards experience brilliant sunshine without the heat of the valley floor, resulting in fruit that is deep in color and perfectly ripened with complex character.
100 Percent Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon
The Diamond Mountain District Cabernet Sauvignon expertly balances power and elegance. It unfolds with aromas of red berries, underscored by subtle notes of dark chocolate and cedar. On the palate, black currant and ripe plum flavors are accented with hints of black tea and a touch of spice. The wine’s remarkable structure is supported by firm tannins and a lingering finish, showcasing the distinctive terroir of the Diamond Mountain District. Its complexity and depth make it a standout choice for those seeking a wine with both immediate appeal and age-worthy potential.
HALL ' Diamond Mountain District' Cabernet Sauvignon
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