Diamond Creek is now retailing at $250 a bottle, i know its decent wine but that seems very expensive. even with 25% discount for futures when you add tax and shipping back in its over $200 a bottle
I think the pedigree, age ability and current Napa Cab pricing supports that price point. I am not a buyer, but I don’t see the price as very expensive compared to lots and lots of new comers that retail right there or above. Of course YMMV.
I know it’s the business owner’s business to maximize profit, but I do feel sadly left behind from the days when this was a wine I bought.
As a consumer, I hate when prices of items I used to be able to afford inflate themselves beyond my means! They are obviously allowed to do it, I am allowed to kvetch about it! Fair’s fair!
Will be tasting there in a few weeks. Been on my bucket list of places to visit in a while. Its $95 and policy is no trade tastings, no trade discounts and no free tasting with purchase as they make about 1500 cases per year.
It does seem that Napa is going to get its butt kicked by Bdx if it doesnt stop these massive increases. I know Roy Piper is a great guy and his wine is awesome but he had two 20% increases in like 4-5 years going from $125 to $175, there are dozens more doing the same. It doesnt matter that cost of living goes up in Napa, the market will eventually revolt against regular 20% hikes. Diamond Creek is now more expensive than some really well known Bdx futures like Montrose, LLC etc and more than almost all non first growths except maybe Palmer
Historically, in my experience, DC wines needed many years of age to drink. Very St. Estephe-like. Was on their list in the 90s but decided I much preferred Bdx in that style. There was a long period in which the newer cults eclipsed their popularity. Looks like they are trying to get back up on the pedestal. I wish them luck.
I visited Diamond Creek Vineyards for the first time recently. I found it helpful to get a visual on what the different parcels actually look like, how they relate to each other, etc.
It’s definitely worth the visit. The property is beautiful and the tour/tasting is great. I picked up a couple bottles then, but am not otherwise a buyer given the price point.
It does seem that Napa is going to get its butt kicked by Bdx if it doesnt stop these massive increases. I know Roy Piper is a great guy and his wine is awesome but he had two 20% increases in like 4-5 years going from $125 to $175, there are dozens more doing the same. It doesnt matter that cost of living goes up in Napa, the market will eventually revolt against regular 20% hikes. Diamond Creek is now more expensive than some really well known Bdx futures like Montrose, LLC etc and more than almost all non first growths except maybe Palmer
Not LLC, I bought 2016 for $299 per. I am looking much deeper into Bordeaux now. Forman at $115, and Dunn Howell Mountain at $130 are still reasonably priced. Regardless of what Napa vintners say I am cutting way back on vintage 2017.
It’s like politics today: push and push until things break.
Thing is, Diamond Creek has always been expensive cabernet. I remember in the late 80’s, when the ‘big names’ (like Montelena, Stags Leap, etc.) were selling around what…$28-35 or so, DC was already up to around $50 (if I’m remembering correctly. If not accurate about prices, I am about the notable range).
You’re right as a general matter. I remember that, as a well-paid young lawyer in the 80s, Diamond Creek was out of my price range at a time I was buying super-second Bordeaux.