2018 Diamond Creek ''Gravelly Meadow'' Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, California, USA

Albert Jack Brounstein created Diamond Creek in 1968 with his purchase of 79 acres in the Diamond Creek canyon. It’s a good thing the land was bought by Al Brounstein because the owner at the time was considering turning the site into a golf course! Al Brounstein became interested in wine after taking a wine class at UCLA. He started out working as sales rep for Sebastiani vineyards. He furthered his studies by working weekends at Ridge vineyards. At the time, his concept was way ahead of its time. Al Brounstein’s desire to create multiple single vineyard wines from Diamond Creek was unique in its day.

The stated goal of Diamond Creek was to display the differences in the terroirs and micro climates found in each unique, vineyard site; Volcanic Hill, Gravelly Meadow, Red Rock Terrace and Lake Vineyards. Diamond Creek gets another award for being the first California winery to produce wine made from only 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. After purchasing the land for the then very expensive price of $1,400 per acre, Al Brounstein began replanted some of the acreage with vines that came from two of the First Growths in Bordeaux. The vines were smuggled in through Mexico! Sadly, the colorful, Al Bournstein died in 2006 at 86 years of age. He was survived by his second wine, Boots Brounstein, their son, Boots Bournstein; son Gary Brounstein and two stepsons Phil Ross and Chuck Ross, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Phil Ross and Boots Bournstein are in charge of managing Diamond creek today.