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

Ashes & Diamonds is located at the gateway to Napa Valley along Highway 29, and its wines are built around a philosophy of light-handed winemaking that lets terroir speak for itself. The Cabernet Sauvignon No. 2 is a blend of select vineyards at the mouth of Napa Valley in the Oak Knoll District, a site that takes in morning fog and afternoon sea breezes, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly without extreme heat spikes.

The 2023 vintage is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc. It was aged 16 months in a mix of French and Austrian oak, with roughly a third new barrels, resulting in a medium to full-bodied wine with a silky feel and a backbone that isn't overly tannic.

On the nose, look for hints of graham cracker and mint layered over cassis-tinged dark fruit, while the palate brings rich blackberry and currant alongside savory leather, tobacco, baking spice, and earthy undertones. The fruit and tannins carry through to a long, elegant finish, making this a Cabernet built for both near-term enjoyment and several years of cellaring.

Serve alongside grilled steak, braised short ribs, or aged hard cheeses for a classic Napa Valley pairing.