The 2019 Double Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon is a polished and approachable Napa red, sourced mostly from To Kalon’s younger vines and blended for early enjoyment. With rich dark fruit, mocha, and a kiss of oak spice, it's plush, juicy, and easygoing—yet still unmistakably Oakville in structure. Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown keeps things precise and expressive even at this entry-level tier.

Jamessuckling.com | JS 94
Published: Sep 12, 2022

Lots of mint, flower and blackcurrant aromas follow through to a medium to full body, creamy tannins and a savory finish. Good depth of fruit here. Juicy and delicious now.

Decanter | D 93
Published: Jun 13, 2022
Drink: 2022-2038

Winemaker Thomas Rivers Brown says this is sourced from the younger vines in To Kalon and a vineyard on Oakville Cross Road. High-toned red berry fruit aromas are dusted with sweet baking spices and firm oak. Medium-bodied palate with creamy dark fruits, a kiss of wild herbs and soft tannins. An easy-drinking red that offers tremendous value.
Closure: Natural Cork
Alcohol: 15.50%
Body: Full
Oak: Oaked
Grapes: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

The Wine Advocate | RP 89
Published: Sep 15, 2022
Drink: 2022-2030

The winery's entry-level Cab, the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Double Diamond, comprises approximately 70% To Kalon fruit, plus another site, and skews toward younger vines. Loaded up with notes of mocha, milk chocolate and caramel, supplemented by dark, plummy flavors, this full-bodied effort finishes with a soft wash of dusty tannins.

When Constellation Brands purchased Schrader—the brand, existing grape contracts and inventory (Schrader owned no vineyards or winery)—for a reported $60 million in 2017, there were fears that the Schrader name would be devalued by expanded production. But with Thomas Rivers Brown retained, and grape sourcing maintained, so far those fears have yet to materialize. Brown has been able to access some Mondavi-controlled portions of the To Kalon Vineyard for new bottlings, but the quality of those has been comparable to what had been produced previously. Constellation is even said to be wooing him to oversee more of their Mondavi-owned vineyards.

On my summer visit to Napa, I sat down with Brown at Mending Wall to taste through a decent-sized slice of his current projects, including Schrader, and he outlined the winemaking steps: No sulfur added at the crusher. A seven-day cold soak. No added yeasts or bacteria. No acid additions (at least in 2019). Ferment up to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Use all the press wine. Go to barrel sweet. Maturation in new Darnajou and Taransaud barrels for 18 months. Sulfur after malolactic fermentation has finished. No fining or filtration. All this is done to further the goal, as Brown states it, "We want the sites to express themselves and the wines to be very different from each other."

Despite the corporate association, at least for now the wines continue to be among the most exciting to come out of Napa Valley. While they may occasionally show up at retail or on restaurant lists, the surest way to obtain the wines is via the mailing list.

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.