This is some of the best Oakville I’ve drunk- especially at the price point! Allow me to digress for a minute and introduce you to Schrader Cellars, Oakville, California. A winery that has gained almost mythical status and spoken about in hushed tones of reverence in just 20 years as well as commanding prices out of most people’s reach.
With the help of Winemaker Tom Rivers Brown, they source grapes from the best vineyards in California including ‘first-growth’ Beckstoffer To-Kalon Vineyard in Oakville, Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard in Rutherford, Beckstoffer Las Piedras in Northwest St. Helena, and more recently the Monastery Block To-Kalon Vineyard in Oakville.
Established by Fred and Carol Schrader in 1998 the winery has gone from strength to strength achieving a combined total of 27 perfect 100-point scores- an unheard feat. Winemaker Tom Rivers Brown came on board in 2000 after a chance meeting while working in a local wine shop.
“Our philosophy behind the creation of Double Diamond nearly two decades ago is that our friends and fellow wine lovers should be able to enjoy a fabulous quality, well-made Cabernet Sauvignon every day without breaking the bank” -Fred Schrader.
The Double Diamond Cabernet is sourced totally from Oakville, with both previous vintages (2013 and 2016) selling out immediately. Needless to say, this is an extraordinary wine and almost impossible to obtain. I say almost because I’ve managed to obtain 60 bottles (Kahn’s Fine Wines). The 2017 vintage has had 2% Merlot added.
The nose is so individualistic and enticing. Dark fruits are both impressive and irresistible with just a hint of spice. The palate is remarkable with focused expression balanced with a silky-smooth mouthfeel that defies its youth. Profile is big, bold and rich with elegance to boot with black and blue fruits seamlessly wrapped with hints of spices, finely grained tannins presenting themselves through the middle palate to a long lingering finish. At the risk of repeating myself this is some of the best Oakville I’ve tasted and drinks well beyond the price tag. Looking forward to drinking this in 5 to 10 years.
Vine to Table 