2023 Ashes & Diamonds - Cabernet Sauvignon No. 2 Napa (750ml)

Ashes & Diamonds was founded by Kashy Khaledi with a vision of recapturing Napa Valley before the rise of opulence, when Cabernet Sauvignon was defined by grace rather than weight. Inspired by classic producers of the 1960s and 1970s, the winery favors light-handed winemaking and transparency of terroir, and its mid-century design stands out along Highway 29 at the gateway to the valley.

Cabernet Sauvignon No. 2 is a blend of select vineyards at the mouth of the valley in the Oak Knoll District, where morning fog and afternoon sea breezes allow grapes to ripen slowly with minimal heat spikes. The alluvial soils combine volcanic and marine sediments, ranging from clay to sandy loam. Fruit was harvested between late September and the end of October and macerated for 18 days in stainless steel tanks. The wine then spent 16 months in barrel, in 28 percent new French oak, 8 percent new Austrian oak, and 64 percent neutral French oak. Winemaker Diana Snowden Seysses oversaw the 2023 vintage, and 1,278 cases were produced.

Bold black and blue fruit leads the way, joined by graphite and fragrant, earthy aromatics. Dense, rich fruit is balanced by ripe, superfine tannins that carry the wine seamlessly from first aroma to a lingering finish.