Wine Spectator’s #1 Wine of 2022 – Top 100 Wines of 2022

Thomas Rivers Brown crafted this stunning Oakville Cabernet, and he’s absolutely at the top of his game and is one of Cabernet Sauvignon’s dominating forces.

Thomas made history as the first American winemaker to receive a perfect 100 point score from the Wine Spectator.

He’s also the winemaker at Revana, Maybach, Gemstone, and Outpost, to name a few.

Double Diamond sourced their 2018 fruit exclusively from prime vineyards in Oakville, and each site contributed its own set of unique characteristics.

At under $100/btl, this pedigreed Cab deserves a spot in your cellar and your table.

From Wine Spectator: “So how does (winemaker Thomas) Brown, while sourcing fruit from such a famous vineyard (To Kalon), produce a Cab at this price? It’s that second wine thing borrowed from Bordeaux. Most of the vineyard blocks Brown uses are young-vine parcels from recent replants. They don’t make the cut for the Schrader vineyard-designated wines; as young vines, they tend to produce a more precocious and fruit-forward profile, while leaning to the redder side of the flavor spectrum as well.”

Tasting Note: “Packs in generous steeped plum, boysenberry and mulberry flavors backed by a broad swath of roasted alder and bittersweet cocoa. Brimming with dense fruit, and is squarely in the not-shy style. The long finish has a serious loamy tug, too. Best from 2023 through 2035.”—James Molesworth

From JebDunnuck.com: “Readers looking to get a taste of the impeccable quality and style from Schrader at a more affordable price point would do well to check out the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Double Diamond. Coming all from Oakville, it has a classic Cabernet nose of black and blue fruits, green tobacco, cedar pencil, damp earth, and chocolate. It’s not over the top and has beautiful varietal character as well as medium to full body, ripe yet present tannins, good overall freshness, and a great finish. This is beautifully done and well worth a case purchase. I’d lean toward drinking bottles over the coming 10-12 years, but I certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see it evolve longer. It’s a candidate for the best Napa Cabernet under $100.” 95 Points

From JamesSuckling.com: “An elegant, fruit-driven cabernet sauvignon with notes of red fruit and spices. Fresh herbs, such as thyme. It’s full-bodied and well balanced. The texture is pleasant and smooth with elegant tannins. The finish is long and flavorful. Drink or hold.” 94 points

O’SHAUGHNESSY
2018 CABERNET SAUVIGNON
NAPA VALLEY
$79.99

From Wine Enthusiast: “This is such an outstanding wine at any price, but here we’re talking about outstanding value as well. Notes of iron and crushed rock lead to a lengthy balance of juicy red fruit and clove. With small amounts of Merlot, Malbec, Saint-Macaire and Cabernet Franc, it shows a deft hand at blending, with lasting notes of black pepper and nuanced oak.”
97 Points, Editors’ Choice