Ashes & Diamonds Napa Valley Saffron Vineyard Mountain Cuvée No.4 2019

Ashes & Diamonds Napa Valley Saffron Vineyard Mountain Cuvée No.4 is a Merlot-led Bordeaux blend from Mount Veeder.

Mount Veeder forms part of the Mayacamas range dividing Napa from Sonoma, and Matt Kramer once described its wines as a wild fish in a school of tank-raised trout: characterful, and slow to come round. Worth holding in mind here, because what arrives in the glass is silkier than the mountain suggests. Credit goes to small, well-balanced berries off thin marine sediment and fractured shale at 457 metres, and to Diana Snowden-Seysses's handling. Merlot makes up sixty per cent of the blend, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc behind. Cold soak, spontaneous fermentation with a fifth whole clusters, then nineteen months in French oak, all Taransaud, twenty-eight per cent new.

Bouncy and outgoing by the maker's own account, with explosive red fruit, alpine herb and a fine, mountain-grown tannin frame. Decant it and serve at 17 degrees. Try lamb rack with rosemary, duck breast, or a plate of Ossau-Iraty.

*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.