WINE OF THE WEEK
Thursday, May 6 2004

2001 DIAMOND CREEK VOLCANIC HILL
CABERNET SAUVIGNON, NAPA VALLEY ($175)

"Here is everything you could want in a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon…"

"This 2001 is the epitome of the highly touted vintage and one which will indeed prove to be a great one."

While this is a typical big and powerful wine — emblematic of Diamond Creek's south-facing Volcanic Hill vineyard — at the same time, winemaker Phil Steinschriber has fashioned a wine that is finesseful and stylish. Thus, it'll satisfy both the fans of Al Brounstein's long-lived wines and those who want instant gratification. One can consume it now, but it'll be best if one is patient over the next two decades.

-Alan Goldfarb