The 2003 Diamond Mountain District Young Vines boasts loads of fruit, a supple texture, and a similar character, but it is neither as weighty nor muscular as the 2001, or as rich and concentrated as the 2002. It should drink well for 10-15 years.

(a blend of 59% cabernet sauvignon, 26% merlot, 9% cabernet franc and 6% petit verdot) Full ruby. Brooding aromas of black fruits, licorice, violet and lead pencil. Dry and broad, with a distinctly chocolatey ripeness. Currently shows less flavor interest than the finished 2002, but this is quite unevolved. Finishes with a boatload of tannins.

(the final blend is 60% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot, 9% cabernet franc and 6% petit verdot) Deep medium ruby. Blackcurrant and chocolate on the nose; shows a slight liqueur-like quality but also has good lift. Sweet, ripe and chewy, with complex flavors of currant, tobacco, Kahlua and nutty oak. This has good mid-palate vibrancy for a wine this ripe. Finishes sweet and long.