Ashes & Diamonds Napa Valley Cabernet Franc No.4 2017

Ashes & Diamonds Napa Valley Cabernet Franc No.4 is a restrained Cabernet Franc from Napa's Oak Knoll district.

When Kashy Khaledi bought the Oak Knoll vineyard he was told to graft the Cabernet Franc over to Cabernet Sauvignon. He refused, curious what thirty-year-old vines might do if they were farmed organically and fed properly, and those vines are now the backbone of the winery's flagship wine, joined by organic fruit from Los Carneros and Yountville. All three sites lie in Napa's cooler south, where morning fog and afternoon wind off San Pablo Bay flatten out the heat spikes and slow ripening down. Steve Matthiasson takes his cues from Saumur-Champigny, working volcanic clay and sandy loam for aromatics. Fermented in stainless steel, rested in barrel over two winters, then held two more years before release.

Juicy red plum, cracked pepper, a ripple of bramble and a touch of spice, with the chalky texture Cabernet Franc gives and silky, integrated tannins. At 13.5 per cent it is genuinely restrained for the valley. Serve at 16 degrees with lamb or roast duck.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.