Diamond Creek Offer - Only the rich need apply

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.

Price discussions are tough.

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! [cheers.gif]

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Agreed on all counts.

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

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Just one example on where that falls apart is Pavie. Well above DC’s pricing.

I was talking about real Bdx not that right bank stuff

Plenty of back vintages available for about half that - time will tell if the $200-250 pricepoint will work

Pavie is a 1er Grand Cru (A) now, same rank as Cheval Blanc.

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.

Fair enough, but still not an original First Growth to which the OP was aimed I am sure.

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.

Don’t many California Cabernet cost more than $250. Why single out Diamond Creek? At least they have a very long and illustrious track record.

  1. Diamond Creek was one of the most expensive Napa cabs back in the 1980s.
  2. It has a track record.
  3. It’s a relative bargain. Here are just a very few of the Napa cabs selling for far higher prices at Zachy’s:
  • Opus One 2015 (750ML)
    $399.99

Colgin Cariad Red 2015 (750ML)
$649.99

Dominus Estate 2014 (750ML)
$259.99

Schrader RBS Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 (750ML)
$479.99

Schrader GIII Beckstoffer Georges III Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 (750ML)
$479.99

Larkmead The Lark Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (750ML)
$484.99

Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 (750ML)
$579.99

Lail Vineyards J. Daniel Cuvee Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 (1.5L)
$583.99

Araujo Estate Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2011 (750ML)
$599.99

Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 (750ML)
$599.99

Levy & McClellan Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 (750ML)
$695.00

Screaming Eagle Second Flight Napa Valley Red 2010 (750ML)
$719.99

Corison is $95. Gets the job done for me!

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.