Jamessuckling.com | JS 94
Published: May 30, 2024

This Bordeaux-style blend is elegant, approachable and packed with beautiful black fruit. Black cherries, blueberries and hints of mint and bay leaves are wrapped in fine-grained tannins for a sleek texture. 50% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot and 25% cabernet franc. it’s a new product from Schrader. Drink or hold.

The Wine Advocate | RP 91+
Published: Jan 31, 2024

The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Double Diamond is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, mostly sourced from Mondavi's portion of the To Kalon Vineyard. Despite using less new oak (54%) than any other Schrader bottling, cedar and celery seed notes join ripe cherries on the nose. It's medium to full-bodied, a bit firmer, richer and more tannic than the similarly priced Proprietary Red.

There have been few changes visible to consumers since Constellation Brands purchased Schrader in 2017. Thomas Rivers Brown has remained as the consultant, much of the grape sourcing has remained constant, and quality, thankfully, hasn't dropped off.
With the availability of additional fruit from the Mondavi vineyard holdings—both within To Kalon and outside of it—Brown has had the opportunity to make wine and add bottlings from different blocks. The Mondavi Heritage Clone To Kalon Vineyard is perhaps the most notable success. The Double Diamond wines—there's now a Proprietary Red as well as a Cabernet Sauvignon—provide relatively affordable on-ramps to the Schrader portfolio.
The Schrader 2021s reviewed here are all excellent examples of their respective sites and the Thomas Rivers Brown style. The vintage character comes through as well, as the wines do show a slightly more concentrated, tannic edge than in many previous years. They should age particularly well. Fans of the wines may want to stock up if possible, as 2022 looks considerably more uneven throughout Napa Valley. When Brown doesn't hesitate in calling 2022 "the worst non-fire vintage I've seen," readers should take notice. Drink Date:
2025 - 2040

Winemaker

OAKVILLE, NAPA VALLEY 100% CABERNET SAUVIGNON

Crafted by Schrader Cellars winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown, Double Diamond is a truly captivating Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from exceptional vineyard lots, exclusively in Napa Valley’s renowned Oakville district. Double Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon is ready to enjoy now and will continue to evolve over the next 3-5 years.