Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Black Label Claret (1910 Type) 2017
Full-bodied red wine crafted in a classic Bordeaux style, emphasizing structure, savory complexity, and food-friendly elegance · Francis Coppola Winery (founded by the legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, located in Sonoma County, California; known for combining Hollywood showmanship with serious winemaking and reliable, high-value premium offerings)
Vintage: 2017 (characterized by a warm growing season punctuated by a historic heatwave in late summer, resulting in concentrated fruit, generous ripeness, and well-structured tannins)
Type
Full-bodied red wine crafted in a classic Bordeaux style, emphasizing structure, savory complexity, and food-friendly elegance
Producer
Francis Coppola Winery (founded by the legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, located in Sonoma County, California; known for combining Hollywood showmanship with serious winemaking and reliable, high-value premium offerings)
Country
United States (New World leader in innovative winemaking, known for diverse microclimates and rigorous varietal labeling laws)
Vintage
2017 (characterized by a warm growing season punctuated by a historic heatwave in late summer, resulting in concentrated fruit, generous ripeness, and well-structured tannins)
Region & Appellation
California, multi-county appellation sourcing from prestigious vineyards across Sonoma, Napa, and El Dorado
Grape Varieties
Primarily Cabernet Sauvignon blended with classic Bordeaux varieties such as Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc to add aromatic complexity and structural harmony
Color & Appearance
Deep ruby-garnet core with bright magenta highlights and a youthful purple rim, showing moderate viscosity and slow-moving, staining legs
Aroma Profile
Expressive bouquet of blackberry, black cherry, and cassis, complemented by secondary notes of vanilla, toasted cedar, clove, and a subtle earthy hint of graphite
Tasting Notes
A balanced and welcoming entry of ripe dark berries opens into a lush mid-palate featuring spiced plum, cocoa, and subtle tobacco, culminating in a smooth, lingering finish with integrated tannins
Flavor Profile
Flavors of blackberry preserves, black currant, and dark plum, layered with nuances of baking spices, toasted oak, espresso bean, and a wisp of sweet pipe tobacco
Body & Texture
Full-bodied with a plush, velvety texture, polished mouthfeel, and a generous yet approachable concentration of fruit extract
Acidity & Tannins
Medium-plus acidity provides refreshing lift against the rich fruit, supported by fine-grained, velvety tannins that offer gentle grip without harshness
Sweetness Level
Dry, with rich, ripe fruit flavors creating an impression of plushness while maintaining a properly dry, savory finish
Alcohol Content
Approximately 13.5% to 14.5% ABV, typical for California Cabernet blends, contributing to a warming, generous mouthfeel
Aging & Oak
Aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels (a significant portion being new oak), imparting gentle notes of vanilla, toast, and baking spice while softening the structural tannins
Food Pairings
Ideal alongside grilled ribeye steak, roasted leg of lamb, hearty beef stews, classic hamburgers with artisan cheese, or hard aged cheddars
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 60-65°F (15-18°C) in a standard Bordeaux glass, decanted for 30 to 45 minutes to allow the complex aromas to open up
Price Range
Approximately $20 to $25 USD, representing exceptional value for a premium California red blend
Quality Assessment
Rated consistently around 88-90 points by major wine publications; recognized as a reliable, premium, everyday luxury wine with great crowd-pleasing appeal
Production Methods
Traditional Bordeaux-style vinification involving destemming, temperature-controlled stainless steel fermentation, frequent pump-overs for color and tannin extraction, and barrel aging
Terroir
Sourced from diverse California microclimates where warm sunny days build rich fruit flavors and cool evening breezes preserve vital acidity and structural balance
History & Heritage
The Claret style is inspired by a historic 1910-style Californian wine recipe, paying homage to a bygone era of winemaking; the iconic gold netting on the bottle was originally designed to protect bottles shipped during early distribution days
Interesting Facts
The distinctive gold wire mesh wrapped around the bottle is a hallmark of the Diamond Collection Black Label Claret, making it instantly recognizable on any table or retail shelf
Cellaring Potential
Approachable right now upon release, but possesses sufficient structure and fruit concentration to age gracefully over the next 3 to 6 years in proper cellar conditions
Similar Wines
Louis M. Martini Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, Josh Cellars Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, and Robert Mondavi Winery Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon