Ashes & Diamonds Cabernet Sauvignon 2022
We have 28 in stock (Inventory is live and accurate)
The Land
This wine is a tribute to the southern end of Napa Valley, where the cooler marine influence defines the Oak Knoll District AVA. Here, mornings start under fog, and afternoons are measured by sunlight, not scorched by it—creating an ideal climate for slow, steady ripening. The backbone of the 2022 blend is old-vine Cabernet Sauvignon from the historic Rossi Vineyard, whose gravelly, clay-loam soils deliver structure and aromatic precision. Supporting that are estate-grown, organically farmed Merlot and Cabernet Franc vines, rooted in the same district and nurtured with deep respect for the soil. These sites yield fruit that’s expressive but never overripe—Cabernet with lift and linearity.
The Wine
A blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc, all organically farmed and fermented with native yeasts in stainless steel. This approach preserves purity and tension in the wine from the start. It was aged for 18 months in carefully selected French oak barrels from Taransaud, Sylvain, and Millard—mostly neutral, chosen for nuance rather than imprint. The result is a Cabernet that leads with elegance: red currant, cassis, dried herbs, and graphite, framed by fine-grained tannins and a fresh, persistent acidity. At 13.5% alcohol, the wine is built for those who prize structure over excess—a modern classic with roots in Napa’s restrained past.
The People
Ashes & Diamonds was founded by Kashy Khaledi with a singular vision: to recapture the spirit of Napa Valley before the rise of opulence, when Cabernet Sauvignon was defined by grace, not weight. Partnering with winemakers Steve Matthiasson and Diana Snowden Seysses—both champions of sustainable farming and minimalist winemaking—he’s crafted a new kind of Napa narrative. After being inspired by the 1958 Polish film Ashes and Diamonds (the winery’s namesake) the film explores the tension between idealism and realism in post-war Poland. It became a touchstone for Khaledi, who translated its mood and message into a winemaking philosophy rooted in reflection, restraint, and reverence for the past. The Cabernet Sauvignon reflects that ethos: organically grown, thoughtfully composed, and transparent in its expression of place.
Food Pairings:
Grilled Pork Tenderloin with Cherry Mostarda & Thyme-Roasted Potatoes - This dish brings out the Cabernet’s red cherry, herbal lift, and graphite minerality. The pork’s char and the sweet-savory mostarda align nicely with the wine’s balance of structure and finesse. Cabernet Sauvignon doesn’t always need a heavy red meat dish to make it delicious!
Roasted Red Pepper Galette with Herbed Cheese, Zucchini Ribbons & Flaky Butter Crust - Sweet roasted peppers bring out the Cabernet’s red fruit and subtle floral peppery flavors. The buttery crust and green herb notes keep the pairing lifted and composed. It’s comforting but elegant, and squarely in line with the wine’s refined, throwback Napa style.
We ship wine to most states with a $100 minimum order for shipping. We don't ship spirits nor beer.
Weather shipping advisory: Orders placed during times of extreme heat or extreme cold will be held for no charge until more favorable weather returns.
Napa Valley, a narrow strip of land in Northern California, is one of the world's most renowned wine regions. Its history dates back to the mid-19th century, but its rise to international prominence began in the latter half of the 20th century, particularly after the famous 1976 "Judgment of Paris" tasting, where Napa wines triumphed over French counterparts. Geographically, the valley is roughly 30 miles long and a few miles wide, running north-south, bordered by the Mayacamas Mountains to the west and the Vaca Range to the east. The climate varies significantly from south to north: the southern end, near San Pablo Bay and including the Carneros region, is cooler, influenced by fog and breezes, while the northern end, near Calistoga, experiences much warmer temperatures. This gradient, along with the distinction between the fertile valley floor and the rugged mountain vineyards, contributes to a diversity of growing conditions, allowing for a wide range of grape varieties, though Cabernet Sauvignon reigns supreme.
California - Napa Valley
Cabernet Sauvignon, originally hailing from Bordeaux, France, has triumphantly spread to become a cornerstone of vineyards worldwide, achieving particular renown in Napa Valley. This versatile grape variety adapts to a broad spectrum of climates, producing full-bodied wines that are rich in black cherry and blackcurrant flavors, with layered complexities of oak and spice. The grape's success in regions like Napa Valley is a testament to its global adaptability, where it benefits from the optimal blend of warm days and cool nights, coupled with diverse soil types, to express a unique balance of power and elegance that pays homage to its Bordeaux origins.
