As a “second” wine, Double Diamond is surprisingly impressive. I guess it should not come as a surprise because second wines from iconic estates (think Carruades de Lafite) should be impressive. Napa Valley’s Schrader Cellars, who boasts of having produced 42 100-point wines, should qualify as an iconic estate. Schrader Cellars’ first wines are on allocation and command hundreds of dollars at release. Hence the appeal of a second wine. The broad shouldered and fabulously aromatic 2023 Double Diamond is concentrated with dark, cassis-like fruit yet manages to stay within the lines. It’s very polished, especially for a second wine, which often can be the repository for juice with slightly coarser tannins. No coarseness here – just a silky, supple texture. The 14.8 stated alcohol shows itself as a touch of heat in the finish but is not distracting. This luscious red would be an excellent choice for grilled steak.
94 Michael Apstein – August 26, 2026