Ashes & Diamonds
2022 Cabernet Sauvignon
Diamond Mountain District AVA
Auction 28 | Lot No. 63
Vintage: 2022
Ashes & Diamonds
Cabernet Sauvignon
Diamond Mountain District
5 cases produced
Highlights
- 100% single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon from the former historic Von Strasser and Roddis Estate vineyard
- The sole west-facing vineyard in the Diamond Mountain District
- High concentration of volcanic ash soils on a deep slope
- The first ever vintage from Ashes & Diamonds, made by winemaker Diana Snowden-Seysses
Description
This tiny, unique sliver of the Napa Valley on the Mayacamas mountainside is known for powerful, rich wines in thin, decimated volcanic soils. Awash in volcanic ash on a severe slope, the slippery terrain of this historic vineyard—Vineyard II—is the only west-facing vineyard of the appellation. Basking in the afternoon sunlight at cooler hillside temps, the Cabernet Sauvignon produced from this site has historically been bold and structured. The history of the property is storied, dating back to when a local chicken farmer named William Bounsall sold it to Bill Roddis of Roddis Estate Winery. Roddis and his winemaker, the legendary André Tchelistcheff, made superb wines from the property from 1977 to 1984, passing the baton to Rudy Von Strasser of Von Strasser Winery, who made wine from the property until 2015.
Wine Facts
- Wine is produced in a Napa Green winery
Diana Snowden-Seysses
Winemaker, Ashes & Diamonds
Diana Snowden Seysses graduated from the Viticulture & Enology program at UC Davis in 2001, then worked in both California and French cellars with Robert Mondavi Winery, Mumm Napa, the Araujo Estate, Château La Fleur de Boüard, Domaine Leflaive and Ramey Wine Cellars. By 2003, Diana had become enologist at Domaine Dujac in Burgundy, and consultant at Domaine de Triennes in Provence; in 2005 she became winemaker at Snowden Vineyards, and later for Ashes & Diamonds in 2016.
Diana was nicknamed “Señorita Macho” at Davis for her enthusiasm for the physical challenges of winemaking. In her spare time, she b-girls to ‘90s hip-hop classics from A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, and Pete Rock & CL Smooth.
Country born: USA
Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years
Steve Matthiasson
Winemaker, Ashes & Diamonds
Steve Matthiasson’s classically-balanced, restrained wines consistently earn the attention of consumers and critics alike, winning him Winemaker of the Year from both Food & Wine and the San Francisco Chronicle. Since receiving his M.S. from UC Davis in 1996, he has consulted for historic vineyards such as Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Spottswoode Winery, the Araujo Estate and Dalla Valle Vineyards. His commitment to viticulture stands as an affirmation of his belief that great wine starts in the vineyard. He is the founding winemaker of Ashes & Diamonds since 2014 and Matthiasson Family Vineyards -- his namesake winery founded in 2003.
In his spare time, Steve enjoys skateboarding and listening to punk rock classics from the Minutemen, Black Flag, Minor Threat and Dead Kennedys.
Country born: USA
Years in the wine industry: 20-30 years
Classic Wine
2915 Riverglen Drive
Fort Worth TX 76109
214-455-6922
Other Premiere Napa Valley Wines available from Classic Wine:
| Winery | Vintage | Variety | Appellation | Fanciful | Auction |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ashes & Diamonds | 2022 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Diamond Mountain District | 28 (2024) | |
| Fisher Vineyards | 2022 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Calistoga | Lamb Vineyard | 28 (2024) |
| Gemstone | 2022 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Yountville | A Rare and Remarkable Gem | 28 (2024) |
| La Jota Vineyard Co. | 2022 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Howell Mountain | 28 (2024) | |
| Palmaz Vineyards | 2022 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | Tortuga | 28 (2024) |
| Sequoia Grove Winery | 2022 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Rutherford | 28 (2024) | |
| Tamber Bey | 2022 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | 28 (2024) | |
| TEXTBOOK | 2022 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Oakville | Oakville 5ive | 28 (2024) |
| ELLMAN | 2021 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | ELLMAN |Back to School Proprietary Red Blend | 27 (2023) |
| Mayacamas Vineyards | 2021 | Cabernet Franc | Mount Veeder | Estate | 27 (2023) |
| TEXTBOOK | 2021 | Red Wine | Oakville | 5ive Proprietary Red Blend | 27 (2023) |
| Trois Noix | 2021 | Chardonnay | Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley | Muir Hanna Old Vine Selection | 26 (2022) |
| Merus | 2019 | Cabernet Sauvignon | Napa Valley | 25 (2021) |
Winery Distribution
Ashes & Diamonds is distributed in the following markets. Please contact the winery directly for the most up-to-date distribution information and to explore commercial opportunities.
Domestic:
- California (DTC)