It is interesting that in all my tastings of Diamond Creek Cabernets from the seventies and early eighties I never seemed to have a problem with either bottle variation or disappointing performances. In such vintages as 1974 1975 1976 1977 and 1978 the wines are consistently magnificent and to my palate among the greatest California Cabernets I have ever tasted. However in the eighties and nineties the wines have performed well below expectations. In contrast to the seemingly troubled1986 Cabernet Sauvignon Red Rock Terrace the 1986 Cabernet Sauvignon Volcanic Hill exhibits a deeper darker ruby color tough tannin but much more of a mid-palate with sweet fruit as well as fine glycerin giving it a nicely-textured ripe generous feel in the mouth. Although the tannin is high the wine remains intact with excellent fruit medium to full body and the potential to evolve for another 10-12 years.