Wallis Family Estate
Little Sister Proprietary Diamond Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon Blend
Diamond Mountain, Napa Valley, California, USA
In my note from 2 years ago I said they were “just starting to loosen up”. Im here to say that is a slow process. This is the first one i’ve had that isn’t a tannic beast, but it’s still showing incredibly young. Inky purple with rich dark fruits and laser tannins that can sear through a huge fatty cut. This is mountain fruit built to age and I have a feeling these wont hit their prime until right around their 15th birthday.
In my note from 2 years ago I said they were “just starting to loosen up”. Im here to say that is a slow process. This is the first one i’ve had that isn’t a tannic beast, but it’s still showing incredibly young. Inky purple with rich dark fruits and laser tannins that can sear through a huge fatty cut. This is mountain fruit built to age and I have a feeling these wont hit their prime until right around their 15th birthday.
Nov 26th, 2018
Started by Edward Wallis in 1975, (just out of college) on estate dating back to early 1900’s, called Château Pacheteau. Way later in 1988, he replanted 13 acres of vines and started selling fruit to Ramey and in 2006 started his label. Got a taste via Corvin. Blend of 57% Petite Verdot, 29% Cab Franc & 14% Cab Sauvignon, aged for 20 mos. in French (80% new). Earthy and fruit aromas, dark berry and currant flavors with espresso and leather notes. Big firm tannins, ending with earthy oak character. Needs Time!
Started by Edward Wallis in 1975, (just out of college) on estate dating back to early 1900’s, called Château Pacheteau. Way later in 1988, he replanted 13 acres of vines and started selling fruit to Ramey and in 2006 started his label. Got a taste via Corvin. Blend of 57% Petite Verdot, 29% Cab Franc & 14% Cab Sauvignon, aged for 20 mos. in French (80% new). Earthy and fruit aromas, dark berry and currant flavors with espresso and leather notes. Big firm tannins, ending with earthy oak character. Needs Time!
Feb 28th, 2018These are just starting to loosen up. Whether its the mountain fruit, the vintage, TRBs direction or all 3 with this wine they've taken a number of years to show much. Good with a 2 hr decant and improving for several more years.
These are just starting to loosen up. Whether its the mountain fruit, the vintage, TRBs direction or all 3 with this wine they've taken a number of years to show much. Good with a 2 hr decant and improving for several more years.
Jun 20th, 2017
I think this was absolutely lovely. It wasn't too intense, more of a Bordeaux blended Cabernet, showing lovely gravel dust notes, stewed black plums and cherries, soft bell pepper, anise/nutmeg, wildflowers, and very well integrated tannins and oak influence, and a very delicious, lingering finish. On top of that, it has to be on of the best 2011 vintage Cabernet from Napa I've had yet, they're starting to come around. Great effort TRB!
I think this was absolutely lovely. It wasn't too intense, more of a Bordeaux blended Cabernet, showing lovely gravel dust notes, stewed black plums and cherries, soft bell pepper, anise/nutmeg, wildflowers, and very well integrated tannins and oak influence, and a very delicious, lingering finish. On top of that, it has to be on of the best 2011 vintage Cabernet from Napa I've had yet, they're starting to come around. Great effort TRB!
Nov 16th, 2016
Lovely plum, casis, subtle oak and graphite with nice acidity.
Lovely plum, casis, subtle oak and graphite with nice acidity.
Sep 12th, 2015
Very nice wine. Drinking great could use some years
Very nice wine. Drinking great could use some years
Oct 18th, 2017
You can sense that TRB did all he could do to coax ripeness of fruit from this difficult vintage. The structure is there and even plush texture, but the fruit is fading. This will not make old bones.
Drink up, and continue to pray for our neighbors in NoCal who provide us with such drinking pleasure.
You can sense that TRB did all he could do to coax ripeness of fruit from this difficult vintage. The structure is there and even plush texture, but the fruit is fading. This will not make old bones.
Drink up, and continue to pray for our neighbors in NoCal who provide us with such drinking pleasure.
Elevated acidity for a TRB cab blend. Red and black fruit, cured meat, and a tangy streak on the finish. Distinctive.
Elevated acidity for a TRB cab blend. Red and black fruit, cured meat, and a tangy streak on the finish. Distinctive.
Nov 12th, 2016Solid value, with good acidity to offer lift and balance to the ripe fruit.
Solid value, with good acidity to offer lift and balance to the ripe fruit.
May 25th, 2016