If you read my post from yesterday, I know what you’re thinking. Why wax on so poetically about how wonderful Ashes & Diamond’s red wine is and then give a review on a rosé? Fair enough. In all honesty, I used my assessment for the A&D Cab Franc rosé as part of an assignment for my WSET Diploma studies, so I had the write up at the ready. But, here you go, the Ashes & Diamonds 2017 Mountain Cuvée fits the exact description I gave you yesterday.
I know what I just said about not often being in the mood for a Cabernet Sauvignon. Maybe it’s the temperament of the times, or maybe because “tis the season to rosé all day and sip white wine on the porch,” and I’m nothing if not a wine rebel. Hah. Anyway, the mood struck me for a classic Cabernet. And by “classic,” I mean a wine that is in keeping with its varietal character, in keeping with the stylistic expectations of the region—and so not fancy. Because, Friday, you know? Well, that’s when I reach for good old reliable Rutherford Ranch estate Cabernet.
I like a good Bordeaux-style blend. I repeat, I like a good Bordeaux-style blend—the nuances of which are hard to master because, let’s face it, we’re not in Bordeaux. But I have to say that Flora Springs is consistently a reliable source for the California expression of this style with the production of their Trilogy red blend. So, let’s take a look at the 2015 vintage, shall we?
Warning: Personal anecdote ahead. I recently moved from SF to the North Bay. (I will, very shortly be moving again from North Bay to winecountry proper…but that’s a diff story). Walking down the street of downtown Corte Madera, I came across the Madrigal Family Winery tasting room. It was a Sunday morning, the doors closed. My partner in wine crime asked if I knew who they were. Heard of them? Yes. Tasted from them, no. So, here is my first look at and taste of Madrigal Family Winery.
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This is the winery’s first vintage of Gamay Noir. I have a question. Does anyone know of any other Napa winemaker producing Gamay? I would love to compare. Anyway, I found this one quite delicious and I look forward to many more vintages of this variety from Doug and Elias. 