1999 Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill

Feb 07, 2011 4 Replies

I guess I'm on a Diamond Creek binge these days. I opened a bottle of



1999 Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill this weekend. Very deep color showing plenty of extract and very little age. Nose of crushed blackberries and wet gravel with a bit of coffee grounds and Napa dust. Very rich on the palate, plenty of pure cassis flavors, still quite primary and young. Firm yet fine tannins on a long peppery finish. Still needs another 5-8 years. "B+/A-"

Thanks for notes. Since you seem to drink a lot of DC, have you had the '91 Gravelly Meadow recently? Realized I need to dig that one out.

I haven't and not sure I still have any 1991 of any DC left in my cellar. Must say that the last few that I've drank were impressive though. I get more convinced with each bottle that generally these wines need at least 15 years to reach their full potential.

I have a single bottle DC Volcanic Hill 1981 that has been well stored since shortly after release. Can you recall tasting this wine? It was a gift, so I have only the one bottle.

I've had the 1981 a number of times most recently at a DC retrospective this past summer. The Volcanic Hill seems to hold the longest of the bottlings and my recollection was that the 1918 was quite mature but still drinking well. Lot's of cassis and plums with Bordeaux like aromatics and cedar on the finish.

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required