Just over a year ago, I visited the Ashes & Diamonds Winery when they completed construction on their new production and hospitality buildings. Beautiful architecture molds together a kind of mid-century modern aesthetic with a Millennium-modern flare. What I found so intriguing about the wines is that they perfectly mimc that theme. Predominantly based on Bordeaux varieties, the A&D portfolio is a nod to OG Napa—rustic, hearty red wines that boast broadly of aging potential. Yet, the wines produced at A&D are completely approachable—and most importantly enjoyable—now. I know that sounds like an old moniker, but in the case of A&D’s red wines…it’s actually true.
Now, I know this review is a rosé—a rosé that has no business living life past one year on earth. But here it is. Something fun, light-hearted, and just joyous for the sake of being joyous. Why is that important? Because it shows not just the range of talent for the winemaking team to create wines at two ends of the age-ability spectrum (we all know Steve Matthiasson is a boss), but the range of the Napa terroir. Care for that fruit in the vineyard, pay attention to the picking times, treat the grapes with respect in the winery—and here you have something so light, so delicate, so not OG.
