Winemaker Philippe Melka's Tasting Notes

"The 2022 Black Diamond Reserve represents the most expressive and structured vineyards and barrels of the vintage. In a warmer vintage, the decision to source exclusively from two cooler vineyard sites in Napa Valley was critical—allowing for longer hang time, vibrant well-integrated natural acidity, and a balance of ripeness without losing the freshness. The result is a wine of remarkable intensity that retains poise and lift.The nose opens with a generous mix of cassis, blackberry, and black plum, layered with notes of sage, dried herbs, and graphite. Hints of dark chocolate, cedar, and floral violet round out the aromatic profile.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, juicy, and remarkably approachable in its youth. Velvet tannins wrap around a core of ripe black fruit, warm spices, and a hint of blue fruit that is supported by a subtle, natural sweetness and well-integrated oak. There’s a seamless flow from front to back, with notes of mocha, charcoal, and crushed stone carrying through a long, generous finish.

'Rendezvous' captures the best of a vintage that demanded precision—cool-site sourcing preserved freshness in a warm year, producing a wine of exceptional intensity, purity, and poise. While built for long-term aging (15–20 years), the 2022 Black Diamond Reserve is already drinking beautifully, offering a plush, fruit-driven profile with the structure and complexity that define the Parallel Napa Valley style."

95 Points - The Wine Palate

"The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Black Diamond Reserve is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep garnet-purple colored, it comes barreling out with notes of crème de cassis, wild blueberries, and boysenberries, plus hints of menthol, crushed rocks, and underbrush. The medium to full-bodied palate delivers muscular black fruits with grainy tannins and bags of freshness to support, finishing long and savory."