I have said before that 1984 was the last impressive vintage for Diamond Creek's Cabernet Sauvignons, but never would I have believed that the 1985 Volcanic Hill, Red Rock Terrace and Gravelly Meadow would show so miserably. Perfectly stored, with excellent fills and no signs of heat abuse, the 1985 Volcanic Hill was the worst wine of the entire tasting. It exhibited a medium purple color, a sour, oaky aroma with a noticeable vegetal character, painfully tannic, harsh flavors, and a hollow, fruitless personality. I remember stating that the barrel sample had "a hole in the middle, and may be in an awkward stage," but this is a disappointing, thin, harsh Cabernet Sauvignon with no future. For me, Diamond Creek's 1974s, 1976s, and 1978s remain among the most extraordinary Cabernet Sauvignons I have ever drunk, making these performances shocking.

Austere, even at this age. Crisp style, with firm currant, spice, cedar and sage notes. Clearly a restrained, backward wine that needs more time. May surprise by 2002.--Diamond Creek vertical. 1,100 cases made.