United States·Foundational·$$$$$

Diamond Creek Vineyards

A Napa pioneer and California's first estate dedicated solely to single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, from distinct blocks on Diamond Mountain.

Founded
1968
Ownership
Rouzaud family / Maison Louis Roederer (acquired 2020); founded by Al and Boots Brounstein
Price tier
$$$$$
Annual production
About 1,500 cases annually (roughly 500 cases from each of three vineyards)
Primary appellation
Diamond Mountain District AVA, Napa Valley
Cross-references
3

About Diamond

Diamond Creek Vineyards was founded in 1968 by Al and Boots Brounstein, who planted Bordeaux varieties high on Napa's Diamond Mountain and became pioneers of the modern Napa wine industry. It is regarded as California's first estate dedicated to a single variety, Cabernet Sauvignon, bottled separately from distinct vineyard blocks, chiefly Red Rock Terrace, Volcanic Hill, and Gravelly Meadow. These tiny, terroir-driven cuvees, each reflecting a different soil and exposure, helped establish the vineyard-designate ideal in California and made Diamond Creek a collector's benchmark. Total production is small, around 1,500 cases a year. After more than five decades of family stewardship, the estate was acquired in 2020 by the Rouzaud family of Maison Louis Roederer, continuing its focus on age-worthy mountain Cabernet. The wines are powerful, structured, and built for long cellaring.

Flagship wines

  • Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Diamond Creek Red Rock Terrace Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Diamond Creek Gravelly Meadow Cabernet Sauvignon

Editorial notes

Practical guidance

Production is minuscule and sells out fast; the single-block Cabernets are long-distance ageing wines that reward a decade or more in the cellar.

Cross-references

Related appellations

Related grapes

Related styles

Related cities

Ask Freshie
EN
EnglishEspañolDeutschFrançaisItalianoPortuguês日本語中文