Variety: Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc

At first glance, “Ashes and Diamonds” only brushes the surface of what the winery truly represents. The story—or journey rather—begins in the autumn of 2013 when Kashy Khaledi (son of winemaker Darioush Khaledi) was a creative media executive at Capitol Records, the “ideal job.” In the midst of a lengthy creative stump, Khaledi would often turn to old films for inspiration. He found one that shifted the course of his life—the 50s Polish film Ashes and Diamonds. A dream started to take shape; Khaledi threw himself into researching the viticulture and enology that shaped California’s wine culture. His quest for joint ventures began; he teamed up with Steve Matthiasson and Diana Snowden, farming vineyards in Napa Valley in the pursuit of balanced wine.

Farmed by Steve Matthiasson, the Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon come from three vineyards from Napa’s Oak Knoll and Yountville districts. Ageing is completed all in barrel, 30% of which is done in new French barrels. This is opulent and textured, a white wine worthy of age.