The 2021 Double Diamond Oakville Cabernet is Schrader’s more approachable sibling—still intense, but with plush fruit, velvety tannins, and a bit less oak than its higher-tier counterparts. Sourced mainly from Mondavi’s To Kalon blocks and crafted by Thomas Rivers Brown, it shows classic Napa richness—blackcurrant, cedar, dark chocolate—with a savory streak of herbs and graphite for balance.

Decanter | D 95
Published: Oct 30, 2024
Drink: 2025-2034

100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged in 54% new French oak and 46% second-use Schrader Darnajou French oak. The Oakville Cabernet from Double Diamond delivers greater power and a more intense structure than Proprietary Red. It is a slightly more serious wine with a brooding, inky character that commands attention. The tannins are long and finely grained, coating the palate in broad, luxurious strokes. This lush, full-bodied wine offers a silky texture and a plethora of blackberry fruit underpinned by ironstone minerality. Aromatic notes of sweet fennel, sage, and a hint of tarragon intertwine with black liquorice, leading to a long finish accented by fine cigar box and toasted cedarwood nuances. Enjoy now, or cellar to reveal even greater depth over the next decade.
Closure: Natural Cork
Alcohol: 15.40%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

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

Dusky, toasty, spicy oak and dark fruit aromas lead to a broad, dense palate with super velvety tannins. Loam, tobacco leaf, graphite and cocoa notes expand and linger, along with blackcurrants and dried cherries. Best from 2028.

The Wine Advocate | RP 91+
Published: Jan 31, 2024
Drink: 2025-2040

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. 

Schradercellars.com

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.