Double Diamond Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Schrader Cellars

Tasting Note Double Diamond Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

Initially, aromas of cassis and deep plum emerge, followed by hints of tobacco, incense, floral notes, and a subtle scent of orange blossom. On the palate, it exhibits a medium- to full-bodied profile, with rich and lush fruit flavors; the tannins have a creamy texture rather than an astringent one. Its freshness remains fully intact. The finish is savory with earthy notes. This Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon from Schrader Cellars does not require aging, but its solid structure allows it to be enjoyed for a longer period.

Grape Varieties

Only one grape variety was used:

Cabernet Sauvignon, A late-ripening variety with thick skins, combining blackcurrant aromas with astringency. To Kalon grapes account for 70% of the 2019 blend.

Cellaring Potential

This wine is ready to drink immediately upon release and is already showing wonderful flavor, so there's no reason to hold off on the Double Diamond Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon 2019. That said, it also has the potential to age gracefully if cellared. The tannins are mellow rather than sharp, which means the wine will become more harmonious over time and will not require refinement. It is best enjoyed by 2032. Serve at 16-18 °C.

About Schrader Cellars

Schrader Cellars produces only Cabernet Sauvignon and nothing else. Fred Schrader founded the company in 1998 after parting ways with his first winery and hired Thomas Rivers Brown as winemaker from the very beginning (Brown currently partners with over 40 wineries). This partnership has already lasted more than 20 years. The majority of the grapes are sourced from Beckstoffer's vineyards, particularly from To Kalon. Few Napa wineries are so highly specialized.

Terroir & Climate

Oakville is located on the Napa Valley plain and is warmer than Yountville to the south, yet cooler than Rutherford to the north. The fog rising from San Pablo Bay reaches this area late, clearing by morning and delaying ripening just enough. The soil is porous and gravelly, allowing water to drain quickly. This is precisely what Cabernet Sauvignon aims for: to keep the roots dry and curb uncontrolled leaf growth. The result is fully ripe fruit that retains its shape.

Winemaking

Double Diamond Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon is intentionally made by blending grapes from different plots rather than a single one. It is vinified by Thomas Rivers Brown with the same attention to detail he brings to Schrader Cellars, then incorporated into a broader blend. To Kalon serves as its foundation. It is precisely this broad blend of plots that makes this wine enjoyable even when young, and the proportion of To Kalon is what ties the whole blend together.

Food Pairing

Creamy tannins and ripe black fruit pair well with fatty and charred flavors. Recommended pairings:
The fat softens the structure of Double Diamond Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon, and the smoky aroma blends well with this wine's savory finish.

• Grilled Côte de Boeuf, with shallots
• Lamb: Slow-roasted lamb shoulder with rosemary
• For those who don't eat meat: Grilled eggplant and bell peppers
• Aged Cheddar: The saltiness and umami nicely balance the tannins