Wines - 2021 Diamond Sky Rock Block Series – Stags Leap District

Our estate vineyard blocks are named after Cliff’s favorite rock songs and albums. The name of this blend is derived from Pink Floyd’s “Shine on You Crazy Diamond” and Electric Light Orchestra’s “Mr. Blue Sky.” We utilize both the gravelly, alluvial soils of our Rhythm Vineyard and the steep, rocky volcanic slopes of the Poetry Vineyard to create this unique blend.

In the cool darkness of night, grapes were hand-picked into twenty-five-pound bins to minimize crushing. By early morning, the grapes were subjected to rigorous selection by our three-tiered sorting process which includes our cutting-edge optical sorter, and a slow, individual berry hand sort. The fruit was gently gravity-delivered to small tanks by our unique crane system which kept the berries intact. Cold soaks lasted from five to eight days, and fermentations were managed through a combination of pump overs and délestage. Extended maceration of up to six weeks ensured exceptional extraction and fine-tuning of tannin profiles. This wine underwent twenty-one months of élevage in French oak barrels, 88% of which were new.

Almost pitch black, the inky 2021 Diamond Sky’s opaque violet color coats the glass, and broody scents of crème de cassis, blackberry, and warm plum waft invitingly. Dark fruit flavors intertwine with clove, coriander, and anise spice notes across the entry. Generous doses of the dark and shadowy Petit Verdot and Malbec varietals lend this wild exotic notes of blood orange, red roses, dark chocolate, and mincemeat pie. This young, coiled wine finishes long, with vibrant, fresh acidity and supportive tannin. “Now there’s a look in your eyes, like black holes in the sky. Shine on you crazy diamond.” -Christopher Tynan, Director of Winemaking