Ashes & Diamonds Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

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.