{"title":"Ashes \u0026 Diamonds","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"ashes-diamonds-cabernet-franc-2017","title":"Ashes \u0026 Diamonds Napa Valley Cabernet Franc No.4 2017","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhen Khaledi first acquired the Oak Knoll vineyard, many advised him to graft it over from Cabernet Franc to Cabernet Sauvignon. But, compelled to see what might come of these 30-year-old vines if they were nourished correctly and farmed organically, Khaledi dug in his heels and kept the original plantings intact. These vines now form the base of Ashes \u0026amp; Diamond’s flagship wine and are joined by organic fruit from Los Carneros and Yountville. Also in Napa’s cooler southside, these sites take in the morning fog and afternoon sea breezes from San Pablo Bay, preventing heat spikes and enabling slow ripening.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTaking its cues from the top bottlings of Saumur-Champigny, Steve Matthiasson gives us a snapshot of Cabernet Franc’s aromatic finesse derived from his vineyard’s volcanic clay and sandy loam soils at the southern end of Napa Valley. The fruit was fermented in stainless steel and rested in barrel for two winters before bottling, then was held for a further two years before release.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt 13.5%, this is naturally restrained, balanced Napa with Cabernet’s Franc’s chalky texture, combined with integrated silky tannins, impressive intensity, and a long, perfumed finish. Flush with juicy red plums, some pepper, a ripple of bramble and a touch of spice, this is in a wonderful spot and is a fine homage to its Loire inspirations – just spot on!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashes \u0026 Diamonds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44089835880686,"sku":"21357-750","price":136.14,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0620\/7468\/3630\/products\/d3d8864f-61c8-ed11-ab3d-024d026f405e_21357-750.png?v=1679456183"},{"product_id":"ashes-diamonds-red-hen-cabernet-sauvignon-2018","title":"Ashes \u0026 Diamonds Napa Valley Red Hen No.3 Cabernet Sauvignon 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Red Hen Vineyard was one of Bart and Daphne Araujo’s biodynamically farmed sites. The property is in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, at the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains (across Highway 29 from the A\u0026amp;D estate vineyard). The soil acts like a sponge, with well-draining gravel and cobblestones suspended in alluvial silt and clay, which naturally pull rainwater down from the mountains and require little or no irrigation. This also encourages fine tannins and finesse in the resulting wines. Steve Matthiasson first came across this site in 2003. “In the 1950s through the 1970s, this block produced the top fruit for The Christian Brothers Winery, when it was still run by the monastic order,” he says. “It was forgotten about as a top-quality site until we rediscovered it”. According to the grower, Red Hen’s Cabernets have a quiet power, poise and impressive length with silky, weightless tannins that are the signature of this benchmark site. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe fruit from the top of the hill has small berries, getting larger and juicier as you move down the slope, giving winemaker Diana Snowdon-Seysses many flavours and textures to work with. Spending half the year as cellarmaster at Dujac, Snowdon-Seysses has been described as bringing a Burgundian eye to a very non-Burgundian grape—the touch is light and respectful. The blocks were handpicked and co-fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel over 19 days. The wine then matured for two winters in barrel (32% new oak).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis vineyard was sold after the 2018 vintage, and the Ashes \u0026amp; Diamonds team parted ways after some changes conflicted with their viticultural beliefs. So, this is the swansong of a great wine, a great vineyard, and an outstanding vintage. In owner Kashy’s words, “if you made a bad wine in Napa in 2018, you probably shouldn’t be making wine”. Showcasing the class of the vintage, this is an elegant and refined Cabernet, redolent with warm berry fruits, spice and savoury minerality. The palate is welcoming and medium-bodied with cool, fresh edges, perfectly pitched ripeness, fleshy weight and open-knit texture. Complex, concentrated and balanced, this radiates its great site and intelligent, considered winemaking.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eShowcasing the class of the vintage, this is an elegant and refined Cabernet, redolent with warm berry fruits, spice and savoury minerality. The palate is welcoming and medium-bodied with cool, fresh edges, perfectly pitched ripeness, fleshy weight and open-knit texture. Complex, concentrated and balanced, this radiates its great site and intelligent, considered winemaking.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashes \u0026 Diamonds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44089835913454,"sku":"21358-750","price":170.34,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0620\/7468\/3630\/products\/5591da35-61c8-ed11-ab3d-0ac90280dbea_21358-750.png?v=1679456188"},{"product_id":"ashes-diamonds-blanc-2018","title":"Ashes \u0026 Diamonds Napa Valley Blanc No.4 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne could never accuse Ashes \u0026amp; Diamonds of not aiming of the stars—this wine is a homage to the white wines of Domaine de Chevalier, an equal blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc sourced from two sites in the southern Napa Valley. The Semillon component is sourced from the oldest vineyard of the varietal in California. Located in Yountville, Kendall Hoxsey’s Yount Mill Vineyard is home to 1962 vines that are head-trained, dry-grown and extremely low-yielding—Khaledi describes the fruit as “simply majestic”. To this, Steve Matthiasson blends mature-vine Sauvignon from the Ashes \u0026amp; Diamonds vineyard in Napa’s Oak Knoll district. Both vineyards benefit from the cool, foggy mornings and afternoon sea breezes rolling in from San Pablo Bay, which serve as a moderating influence and aid in preserving natural acidities and racy freshness.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the cellar, Matthiasson naturally co-ferments the parcels in barrel. The wine spends 10 months on fine lees in French oak (25% new) with no bâtonnage before it goes to bottle. Unusually for a white, it is released after three years in bottle, during which time the pungency of Sauvignon Blanc takes a back seat to the key lime pie and lemongrass characters of the Semillon. Number 4 stands for the wine’s fourth release. According to its crafter, it is “fully ripe and textured, yet bright, zesty and supremely age-worthy”. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eVibrant and agile from the first look, this awakens the senses with tingling tension and bright energy. Citrus and florals align with notes of honey and a backdrop of toasty spice, while filigree textures weave throughout. Time in bottle has served this wine well, it’s beautifully balanced, unfurling with complexity and finishing with an elegant but lengthy close.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashes \u0026 Diamonds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44089835946222,"sku":"21359-750","price":84.83,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0620\/7468\/3630\/products\/e60a5225-61c8-ed11-ab3d-024d026f405e_21359-750.png?v=1679456192"},{"product_id":"ashes-diamonds-saffron-mountain-2018","title":"Ashes \u0026 Diamonds Napa Valley Saffron Mountain Cuvée No.3 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Saffron Vineyard on Mount Veeder is an excellent example of the perfect site managed by the right person. It’s a beautiful vineyard, nestled in the redwoods and high above the fog inversion line at an altitude of 457 metres. Daytime temperatures here can often be 10 degrees lower than on the valley floor. With a push from Kashy Khaledi, the vineyard is organically farmed by the passionate and committed owner, Lisa Chu (Khaledi convinced Lisa to up her prices for all her customers—including him—so that organic farming could be implemented, a move that quickly saw a dramatic improvement in soil health and the quality of fruit). Deep-rooted Bordeaux varietals were planted here in 2000, in thin soils comprised of uplifted marine sediment and fractured shale.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePart of the Mayacamas coastal range separating the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, Mount Veeder is said to grow the most characterful wines of the Napa “like a wild fish in a school of tank-raised trout”, as Matt Kramer once put it. And, while its reputation is one for robust, slow-maturing wines, Diana Snowden-Seysses’s choice of blend, her Burgundian eye and the Saffron Vineyard crop of small but beautifully balanced berries, infuses the natural power of the mountain with unusual silken grace. The 2018 is a blend of Merlot (59%), Cabernet Sauvignon (23%) and Cabernet Franc (18%). Once at the winery, the grapes were given a cold soak until native fermentation began. The wine matured for 19 months in French oak (30% new).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eA more ebullient expression than its single-site compatriot, the Saffron has immediate appeal;  bustling with energy, character and vibrant, charming expression. Shades of minerality weave through soft and supple fruits, velvety weight, warm spice tones and polished structures. It’s rich and silky without being overblown and finishes with finesse, grace and power. Fusing the explosive intensity of low-yielding Veeder fruit with impeccable freshness and focused tannin, decant it and drink over a couple of hours to taste the full magnitude of Mount Veeder in all its classically shaped form.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashes \u0026 Diamonds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44089835978990,"sku":"21360-750","price":170.34,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0620\/7468\/3630\/files\/e5abff0b-61c8-ed11-ab3d-0ac90280dbea_21360-750.png?v=1764137182"},{"product_id":"ashes-diamonds-napa-valley-saffron-vineyard-mountain-cuvee-no-4-2019","title":"Ashes \u0026 Diamonds Napa Valley Saffron Vineyard Mountain Cuvée No.4 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Saffron Vineyard on Mount Veeder is an excellent example of an ideal site managed by the right person. It’s a beautiful vineyard, nestled among redwoods high above the fog inversion line at an altitude of 457 metres. Daytime temperatures here are often 10 degrees lower than on the valley floor. With encouragement from Kashy Khaledi, the vineyard is organically farmed by the passionate and committed owner, Lisa Chu. (Khaledi convinced Lisa to increase her prices for all her customers, including him, so that organic farming could be implemented—a move that dramatically improved soil health and fruit quality.) Deep-rooted Bordeaux varieties were planted here in 2000 in thin soils of uplifted marine sediment and fractured shale. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePart of the Mayacamas coastal range separating the Napa and Sonoma Valleys, Mount Veeder is said to grow the most characterful wines of the Napa, “like a wild fish in a school of tank-raised trout”, as Matt Kramer once put it. While it has a reputation for robust, slow-maturing wines, Diana Snowden-Seysses’s Burgundian eye, choice of blend and the Saffron Vineyard’s crop of small, beautifully balanced berries infuses the natural power of the mountain with unusual silken grace. The 2019 is a blend of Merlot (60%), Cabernet Sauvignon (23%) and Cabernet Franc (17%). Once at the winery, the grapes were given a cold soak until spontaneous fermentation—which included 20% whole clusters—began. The wine then matured for 19 months in French oak (28% new, all Taransaud).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAccording to its maker, the wine is “bouncy and outgoing, with explosive red fruit flavours—like biting into a ripe, juicy plum—and fine, focused tannins”. Fusing the explosive intensity of low-yielding Veeder fruit with impeccable freshness and focused tannin, decant this and drink it over a couple of hours to experience the full magnitude of the mountain in all its classically shaped glory.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashes \u0026 Diamonds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44736898728174,"sku":"24247-750","price":182.65,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0620\/7468\/3630\/files\/4aa6d725-adc0-ee11-ac3f-0aa7bbf44e76_24247-750.png?v=1708668854"},{"product_id":"ashes-diamonds-napa-valley-cabernet-franc-no-6-2019","title":"Ashes \u0026 Diamonds Napa Valley Cabernet Franc No.6 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhen Kashy Khaledi first acquired the Oak Knoll vineyard, many advised him to graft it over from Cabernet Franc to Cabernet Sauvignon. But, compelled to see what might come of these 30-year-old vines if nourished correctly and farmed organically, he dug his heels in and kept the plantings intact. These vines now form the base of Ashes \u0026amp; Diamond’s flagship wine and are joined by organic fruit from Los Carneros and Yountville. Also located in Napa’s cooler south, these sites take in the morning fog and afternoon sea breezes from San Pablo Bay, preventing heat spikes and facilitating slow, even ripening. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTaking its cues from the top bottlings of Saumur-Champigny, winemaker Steve Matthiasson gives us a snapshot of Cabernet Franc’s aromatic finesse derived from the vineyard’s volcanic clay and sandy loam soils at the southern end of Napa Valley. This year’s blend includes 25% Merlot, and fermentations took place in stainless steel tanks. The wine matured in mostly old (16% new) premium French oak (Taransaud and Orion) for 19 months. The wine was held in bottle for a further two years before release. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt 13.2%, this is naturally restrained, balanced Napa with Cabernet’s Franc’s chalky texture, combined with integrated silky tannins, impressive intensity, and a long, perfumed finish. In a wonderful spot and a fine homage to its Loire inspiration. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashes \u0026 Diamonds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44736899383534,"sku":"24244-750","price":154.87,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0620\/7468\/3630\/files\/874d464b-acc0-ee11-ac3f-0aa7bbf44e76_24244-750.png?v=1708668848"},{"product_id":"ashes-diamonds-napa-valley-rancho-pequeno-cabernet-sauvignon-no-4-2018","title":"Ashes \u0026 Diamonds Napa Valley Rancho Pequeño Cabernet Sauvignon No.4 2018","description":"\u003cp\u003eRancho Pequeño Vineyard is part of Bart and Daphne Araujo’s Oakville property on the valley floor's east flank in the Vaca Mountains' foothills. The 10-acre vineyard was originally planted in 1985 and screams old-school Napa Cabernet: exposed south with very thin topsoils, warm and sunny afternoons, cool dusks and dawns and gentle sea breezes. A touch warmer than the Ashes \u0026amp; Diamonds home vineyard in Oak Knoll, it is biodynamically farmed by two of Napa’s greatest land stewards under the guidance of A\u0026amp;D’s legendary viticulturist, Steve Matthiasson. The soils are deep and loamy, washed down from the Vaca Mountains, resulting in a high water table and little need for irrigation. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt’s a sad reality when working with old vineyards that they are not around forever. As with the Red Hen Cabernet Sauvignon we released last year, this will be the final release of this wine as Bart and Daphne complete a total replanting of the vineyard. It is the swansong of a great wine, an exceptional vineyard and an outstanding vintage. In Kashy Kaledi’s words: “If you made a bad wine in Napa in 2018, you probably shouldn’t be making wine.” The fruit was picked in the last week of September and spent 16 days in tank followed by 19 months’ maturation in 32% new French oak. Winemaker Diana Snowden-Seysses has been described as bringing a Burgundian eye to a non-Burgundian grape, so you can expect a restrained and respectful touch across the single vineyard wines she makes. She describes 2018 as “a kaleidoscope of aromatics ranging from rose to game, bright and crunchy red fruit flavours with weightless power and purity”. Where do we sign up?\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashes \u0026 Diamonds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44736899416302,"sku":"24245-750","price":238.21,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0620\/7468\/3630\/files\/1d8f7860-5fd0-ee11-ac40-0aa7bbf44e76_24245-750.png?v=1708668851"},{"product_id":"ashes-diamonds-napa-valley-blanc-no-5-2019","title":"Ashes \u0026 Diamonds Napa Valley Blanc No.5 2019","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne could never accuse Ashes \u0026amp; Diamonds of not aiming for the stars—this wine is a homage to the white wines of Domaine de Chevalier. It is an equal blend of Semillon and Sauvignon Blanc from two sites in the southern Napa Valley. The Semillon component is sourced from the grape’s oldest site in California. Located in Yountville, Kendall Hoxsey’s Yount Mill Vineyard is home to 1962 vines that are head-trained, dry-grown and extremely low-yielding; Khaledi describes the fruit as “simply majestic”. To this, winemaker Steve Matthiasson blends mature-vine Sauvignon Blanc from the Ashes \u0026amp; Diamonds vineyard in Napa’s Oak Knoll district. Both vineyards benefit from the cool, foggy mornings and afternoon sea breezes rolling in from San Pablo Bay. These serve as a moderating influence and aid in preserving natural acidity and racy freshness. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn the cellar, the fruit naturally co-ferments in barrel. The wine spends 10 months on fine lees in French oak (31% new) without stirring before it goes to bottle. Unusually for a white, it is released after three years in bottle, during which time the pungency of Sauvignon Blanc takes a back seat to Semillon’s lemongrass and key lime pie characters. Number 5 indicates the wine’s fifth release. According to its crafter, it is “fully ripe and textured, yet bright, zesty and supremely ageworthy”. Time in bottle has served this wine well; it’s beautifully balanced, unfurling with complexity and culminating in a lengthy, elegant close.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Ashes \u0026 Diamonds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44744880685294,"sku":"24246-750","price":89.64,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0620\/7468\/3630\/files\/0a709dd0-acc0-ee11-ac3f-02c0c1c8e708_24246-750.png?v=1708913438"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.bibendum.com.au\/collections\/ashes-diamonds.oembed","provider":"Bibendum Wine Co.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}