Diamond Creek
The First Cab-only Californian Winery
Founded in 1968 by Al and "Boots" Brounstein, it was the first California winery to focus exclusively on Cabernet Sauvignon and, remarkably, the first to plant vineyards on Diamond Mountain. Al Brounstein was a visionary who, against all advice, believed the rugged, rocky hillsides of his property could produce world-class wine.
For decades, Diamond Creek has produced only these three single-vineyard Cabernets:
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Volcanic Hill: As the name suggests, the soil is red, rocky volcanic ash. The vineyard faces east, getting morning sun. The wine is known for its power, structure, and intense minerality.
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Gravelly Meadow: This vineyard has deep, gravelly, well-drained soil (similar to parts of Bordeaux). It has a more westerly exposure. The wine is celebrated for its elegance, perfume, and silky texture.
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Red Rock Terrace: The soil is iron-rich red clay, and the vineyard sits on a warm, sun-drenched terrace overlooking a lake. This wine is typically the most opulent, rich, and fruit-forward of the three.
