2010 Wallis Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon (half bottle)

The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon screams Diamond Mountain in its dark fruit, tar, spices, smoke and incense. Elements of exotic wildness are woven throughout this powerful, intense, tannic wine. A radiant finish supported by firm tannins leaves a lasting impression. The 2010 is likely to require a few years in bottle, but there is little doubt this is an exciting wine in the making.

Tough and hard, this is a Cabernet that tastes old fashioned with its dry, tannic astringency. It certainly marches to a different beat, even for the Diamond Mountain District that’s known for difficult tannins. Will it age? There’s a solid core of black currant and green olive flavor that suggests it will. Hold until 2018, at least.