Diamond Creek Vineyards
Lake Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Napa Valley, California, USA
Perhaps not quite on the same level as “La Romanée” in terms of history, but certainly in terms of exclusivity and intrigue, “Lake” is another one of those vineyards you read about, you hear whispers about, but you rarely see and even more rarely, get to experience. In fact, “Lake” is even smaller than “La Romanée”, less than half its size. The unique characteristics of the site make full ripening a challenge; it’s the coolest site at Diamond Creek and partially shaded. In the last 50 years, “Lake” has been bottled on its own 23 times. When there isn’t sufficient harvest for its own bottling, it usually gets blended into “Gravelly Meadow”. This bottle was graciously and generously brought back from the estate.
Poured into a decanter an hour prior to service; enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The 1996 “Lake” pours a deep garnet/purple with a translucent core; medium viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing (still!) with beautiful notes of cassis, tobacco, Poblano pepper, horse blanket, gravelly earth and a balanced mix of cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, the finish is long. What a special wine.
If you’ve followed my tasting notes over the years, you may have caught me using the word “soul” or “soulful” to describe certain wines. For me, this describes a wine that expresses its site with a high degree of transparency and fidelity. This does not describe technical genius. In fact, the wines can often have some foibles. However, coming from me, it is the ultimate term of endearment, for whatever that is worth. Anyway, this bottle of the 1996 “Lake” has it. Drink now with patience and through 2046.
Perhaps not quite on the same level as “La Romanée” in terms of history, but certainly in terms of exclusivity and intrigue, “Lake” is another one of those vineyards you read about, you hear whispers about, but you rarely see and even more rarely, get to experience. In fact, “Lake” is even smaller than “La Romanée”, less than half its size. The unique characteristics of the site make full ripening a challenge; it’s the coolest site at Diamond Creek and partially shaded. In the last 50 years, “Lake” has been bottled on its own 23 times. When there isn’t sufficient harvest for its own bottling, it usually gets blended into “Gravelly Meadow”. This bottle was graciously and generously brought back from the estate.
Poured into a decanter an hour prior to service; enjoyed over the course of a couple hours. The 1996 “Lake” pours a deep garnet/purple with a translucent core; medium viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing (still!) with beautiful notes of cassis, tobacco, Poblano pepper, horse blanket, gravelly earth and a balanced mix of cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, the finish is long. What a special wine.
If you’ve followed my tasting notes over the years, you may have caught me using the word “soul” or “soulful” to describe certain wines. For me, this describes a wine that expresses its site with a high degree of transparency and fidelity. This does not describe technical genius. In fact, the wines can often have some foibles. However, coming from me, it is the ultimate term of endearment, for whatever that is worth. Anyway, this bottle of the 1996 “Lake” has it. Drink now with patience and through 2046.
All camphor and smoke. Dusty old cassis and sweet tobacco. A mere whiff of oxidation barely detracted an otherwise profound Napa gem. Past it’s peak but oooooh.
All camphor and smoke. Dusty old cassis and sweet tobacco. A mere whiff of oxidation barely detracted an otherwise profound Napa gem. Past it’s peak but oooooh.
Aug 12th, 2020Tasted blind out of magnum. Very Brickey color fading quickly on this one. Again, most fruit is gone layers of leather,herbs and earth.
Tasted blind out of magnum. Very Brickey color fading quickly on this one. Again, most fruit is gone layers of leather,herbs and earth.
Dec 7th, 2014
Bing cherry and licorice. The fruit and tannin are in perfect harmony. Thank you Jay!!!
Bing cherry and licorice. The fruit and tannin are in perfect harmony. Thank you Jay!!!
Nov 20th, 2017
Superstar wine. A little hint of menthol that wasn't just barely noticed. Wow wasn't showing any age in terms of color. Special bottle that was a pleasure to drink
Superstar wine. A little hint of menthol that wasn't just barely noticed. Wow wasn't showing any age in terms of color. Special bottle that was a pleasure to drink
Jul 16th, 2017