Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2011

Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 is a single-vineyard Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Awarded 94 points by Wine Advocate, this expression from Diamond Mountain District is widely regarded as one of the estate's most powerful and age-worthy bottlings.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Diamond Mountain District, Napa Valley, California  |  Vintage: 2011  |  Producer: Diamond Creek Vineyards

Production & Heritage

Diamond Creek Vineyards, founded in 1968 by Al Brounstein, was among the first Napa Valley estates to practice single-vineyard designation for Cabernet Sauvignon. The Volcanic Hill vineyard sits on grey, light, fluffy ash-like soil deposited by ancient volcanic eruptions, occupying the warmest microclimate on the property. The 2011 blend comprises 92% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec, 1% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc, aged for 22 months in 100% new French oak barrels. This site consistently yields Diamond Creek's most structured and long-lived wines.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Profound notes of chocolate-covered mint and kirsch lead into blackcurrant pastilles and tobacco leaf. Deeper layers reveal cedar chest, new leather, and pencil lead nuances.

Taste: The medium-bodied palate opens with concentrated black and red fruit flavors, building through a mid-palate loaded with earthy and savory accents. A chalky, mineral consistency emerges alongside dark, ripe plum and mocha, carried by a firm yet plush texture.

Finish: Epic in length, with lingering mineral and spice nuances that persist well beyond the final sip. The finish is intense and layered, with provocative savory tones that reward patience.

How to Drink Volcanic Hill 2011

Serve at 60–65°F after decanting for at least one hour to allow the wine's complex aromatics to fully unfold. This is a wine built for thoughtful sipping alongside a meal. It pairs naturally with grilled lamb chops, where the wine's earthy depth matches the charred meat. Braised short ribs benefit from the plush tannin structure and dark fruit concentration. Aged hard cheeses like Comté or Parmigiano-Reggiano echo the wine's savory, mineral character.

Best For

• Gifting a serious Napa Valley Cabernet collector
• Anchoring a multi-course dinner with red meat or game
• Cellaring as part of a Diamond Creek vertical library
• Marking a milestone anniversary or special celebration from 2011

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Volcanic Hill 2011 taste like? The dominant profile centers on dark plum, blackcurrant, and mocha, layered with tobacco, cedar, and a pronounced mineral-driven chalkiness. The texture is firm yet plush, with exceptional length on the finish.

How does Volcanic Hill compare to Diamond Creek Red Rock Terrace? Volcanic Hill, sourced from the estate's warmest site with volcanic ash soils, tends to produce the most powerful and structured wines in the Diamond Creek range. Red Rock Terrace, grown on iron-rich red soil, typically shows a more elegant and aromatic profile by comparison.

Is Volcanic Hill 2011 good for cellaring? Yes — the Volcanic Hill vineyard is known for producing Diamond Creek's most long-lived wines, and the 2011's firm tannin structure and concentrated fruit suggest continued development in bottle. Its 94-point Wine Advocate rating reflects a wine with significant aging potential.

Where is Volcanic Hill made? Volcanic Hill is produced by Diamond Creek Vineyards, located in the Diamond Mountain District AVA on the western edge of Napa Valley, California. The vineyard's ancient volcanic ash soils and warm microclimate distinguish it from the estate's other parcels.

What foods pair well with Volcanic Hill 2011? Grilled or roasted lamb highlights the wine's herbal and earthy depth. Braised beef short ribs complement the plush tannins and dark fruit. Aged Parmigiano-Reggiano mirrors the mineral and savory notes. Dark chocolate desserts echo the mocha and kirsch character. Mushroom risotto ties into the wine's earthy, savory undercurrent.

What sizes does Volcanic Hill 2011 come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle.

Is Volcanic Hill 2011 worth the price? Volcanic Hill positions as a premium to ultra-premium single-vineyard Napa Cabernet from one of the appellation's pioneering estates. The 94-point Wine Advocate score, 22 months in 100% new French oak, and the vineyard's storied reputation place it among the upper echelon of Diamond Mountain wines.

Why Volcanic Hill 2011?

Diamond Creek's Volcanic Hill vineyard has been recognized since the late 1960s as one of Napa Valley's most distinctive terroir sites, and the 2011 vintage captures its character with precision. The ancient volcanic ash soils and warm exposure yield a wine of uncommon power and mineral complexity, reflected in the 94-point Wine Advocate rating. The meticulous blend — 92% Cabernet Sauvignon supported by small measures of Malbec, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc — aged entirely in new French oak, delivers a structure that rewards both immediate enjoyment and long-term cellaring. Among Diamond Mountain Cabernets, few expressions carry the same combination of terroir specificity, critical acclaim, and proven aging track record.