Ashes & Diamonds Vineyard, "Mountain Cuvée No 5" 2022, Saffron Vineyard, Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley

About the Vineyard

Lisa Chu's Saffron Vineyard sits at about 1,500 feet on Mount Veeder, above the fog line. It was planted in 2000 to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc and is farmed organically.

About the Producer

Kashy Khaledi, a former advertising and media executive, launched Ashes & Diamonds with the 2014 vintage. The winery and tasting room sit in the Oak Knoll District at the cooler southern end of Napa Valley.

The estate vineyard in Oak Knoll is planted mainly to Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Additional fruit comes from respected sites such as the Saffron Vineyard on Mount Veeder and vineyards farmed by Bart and Daphne Araujo. The team pays close attention to viticulture, with an emphasis on organic and sustainable farming.

The winemaking team includes Steve Matthiasson, known for his work in the vineyard, and Diana Snowden Seysses, who trained at UC Davis and Domaine Dujac in Burgundy. Their aim is a classic, balanced style, with lower alcohol and less new oak than much of Napa. The wines are numbered rather than named, and Cabernet Franc is a house specialty.