In contrast to the still very closed and reticent 1978 Volcanic Hill, the 1975 Red Rock Terrace is quite open and is beginning to drink splendidly. The bouquet is deep, complex and almost exotic in its mélange of coconut, black cherries, cassis, earth, a touch of inkiness and a topnote of chipotle peppers. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, deep, pure and focused, with just a touch of “bell pepper” peaking out on the finish, which is ripely tannic, very, very long and soil-driven. This is a classic, slow to unfold Diamond Creek that today is showing more mid-palate sweetness than the superb 1978 Volcanic Hill, and offers outstanding complexity, focus and grip on the palate. A fine, fine bottle of Diamond Creek in their heyday that will continue to drink beautifully for at least another twenty years. - JG
JG95June 2007