Schrader Double Diamond Cabernet Sauvignon (2-Pack Vertical)

Schrader’s second label, Double Diamond, promises all the same prestige and pedigree as its counterpart, for a way more approachable price. Expertly crafted by the winemaking savant Thomas Rivers Brown, these high-scoring vertical 2-packs are a look at two fabulous recent vintages of Oakville Cab for a head-spinning price of just $135 (normally $180)!

Even though it’s technically Schrader’s second label, there is nothing second-rate about Double Diamond. Sure, they take grapes from younger vines that didn’t happen to make the cut for Schrader, but this is still mostly Oakville’s hallowed To Kalon fruit we’re talking about! The 2022 vintage was awarded a worthy 94 points, and the 2023 received a solid 95 points – so if you ask us, this is just about as good a deal out of Oakville as you can find.

The fun part will be trying each wine and distinguishing what sets them apart based on the vintage. 2022 was a cooler vintage overall, and dry, with a major heat spike toward the end of the season. Even so, the more temperate growing season allowed for more elegant, naturally acidic, and red-fruited characteristics in Napa Cabs to shine. This 2022 has loads of ripe strawberry, black cherry, and red plum compote with accents of dried sage, spicy cedar, roses, pencil lead, and a certain caramel mocha-like sensation toward the lengthy finish. This is beyond friendly to drink now, with loads of oomph to last another decade-plus in the cellar!

Meanwhile, 2023 is considered to be a euphoric vintage for Napa – textbook perfect weather, a long and moderate growing season, heaping yields, and practically no wrenches thrown into the season’s mix. Some are even calling it the “vintage of the century,” generating aromatic, refined, and vibrant Cabs with silky tannins and fantastic structure. This 2023 follows suit with juicy blackberry, cassis, and blueberry filling out the robust core, perfectly propped up by dark chocolate shavings, lavender, espresso, licorice, and a whiff of eucalyptus. Powdery soft tannins and refined acidity with a splendidly long-lasting finish bring this home for the long run.

All in all, both wines are excellent showings in the Oakville Cab category – without the extreme cost or exclusivity often associated with this AVA. Our numbers, however, are limited and when they’re gone, they’re gone! Go get you some superb Oakville Cab made by a top-tier team for a price that doesn’t even seem real!