Description

Cabernet Sauvignon was the first wine produced by Rombauer Vineyards when the winery was founded in 1980. Diamond Selection, first produced with the 1994 vintage, represents the best lots harvested each growing season.

VINEYARDS
This reserve bottling comes from estate vineyards and top grower vineyards in Atlas Peak, Calistoga, Mount Veeder, Oakville, and St. Helena AVAs.

WINEGROWING
The 2016 growing season was near-perfect, with favorable weather conditions from budbreak to bloom and veraison to harvest. A series of warm days in September brought the grapes to ideal ripeness, and though the vintage was somewhat smaller than average, the quality was outstanding. Sustainable farming practices throughout the growing season were tailored to each block with the assistance of aerial photos produced using NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) technology. The fruit was hand-picked at night and sorted in the vineyard.

WINEMAKING
The grapes were carefully destemmed and optically sorted to ensure only perfect fruit made it into the wine. The wine was primarily barrel-fermented to provide a richer, more textured palate. The wine was gently basket-pressed before being racked to French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and aging. The finest lots were carefully chosen and blended to produce the Diamond Selection.

TASTING NOTES
This elegantly balanced wine is deep and dark with a purple hue. Aromas of ripe cassis and black currant combine seamlessly with sweet notes of spice. The palate is ripe and soft, with pronounced cherry liquor, lush tannins and sweet, subtle oak. Black currant builds on the finish.

FOOD PAIRINGS
Our favorite Joy of Cooking® pairings* for
this wine include Standing Prime Rib (Pgs. 471-472) with Creamed Spinach (Pg. 305) and Grilled Marinated Lamb Chops with
Risi e Bisi.