Ashes & Diamonds 'Sylviane' Estate Blanc 2019
Dry White Wine. A Bordeaux-style white blend focusing on freshness and textural integrity rather than heavy oak influence. · Ashes & Diamonds Winery. A modern, design-forward estate owned by Kashy Khaledi. It is a boutique cult producer known for a mid-century aesthetic and 'neo-classical' winemaking approach, often collaborating with legendary winemakers like Steve Matthiasson and Diana Snowden Seysses.
Vintage: 2019. An exceptional vintage for Napa Valley characterized by a long, cool growing season without significant heat spikes, leading to wines with great aromatic complexity, structural balance, and vibrant acidity.
Type
Dry White Wine. A Bordeaux-style white blend focusing on freshness and textural integrity rather than heavy oak influence.
Producer
Ashes & Diamonds Winery. A modern, design-forward estate owned by Kashy Khaledi. It is a boutique cult producer known for a mid-century aesthetic and 'neo-classical' winemaking approach, often collaborating with legendary winemakers like Steve Matthiasson and Diana Snowden Seysses.
Country
United States. A New World leader with diverse AVAs; California accounts for the majority of production, balancing technological innovation with traditional European inspirations.
Vintage
2019. An exceptional vintage for Napa Valley characterized by a long, cool growing season without significant heat spikes, leading to wines with great aromatic complexity, structural balance, and vibrant acidity.
Region & Appellation
Napa Valley, Oak Knoll District AVA. This appellation is located at the southern, cooler end of the valley floor, benefiting from the cooling San Pablo Bay fog, allowing for higher acidity and more restrained fruit profiles compared to up-valley AVAs.
Grape Varieties
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon (typically around 50/50). Sauvignon Blanc provides high acidity and citrus/herbal notes, while Sémillon adds weight, oily texture, and aging potential.
Color & Appearance
Brilliant pale straw to lemon-gold. It displays medium-high viscosity and excellent clarity, suggesting a wine of moderate concentration and high acidity.
Aroma Profile
Complex and layered. Primary notes of white peach, grapefruit, and lemon zest; secondary notes of honeycomb and crushed stone; light tertiary hints of wax and lanolin due to the Sémillon and age.
Tasting Notes
The wine opens with a bright attack of citrus and green apple. The mid-palate is surprisingly textured and silky, showing the influence of the Sémillon. It finishes long with a salty mineral streak and a touch of white floral perfume.
Flavor Profile
Vibrant lime zest, Bosc pear, and gooseberry, complemented by more savory notes of meadow grass, flint, and a hint of almond skin on the finish.
Body & Texture
Medium-bodied with a waxy, weightier texture than a standard Sauvignon Blanc. It feels oily yet precise, coating the mouth without feeling heavy or cloying.
Acidity & Tannins
High, crisp acidity (racy backbone). No tannins, but a subtle phenolic grip from short skin contact or lees aging contributes to a firm structure.
Sweetness Level
Bone dry. Residual sugar is negligible (typically <2g/L), though the Sémillon provides a sensation of fruit sweetness.
Alcohol Content
Approximately 12.5% to 13.5%. Lower than the Napa Valley average, prioritizing elegance over power and ensuring the wine does not feel hot.
Aging & Oak
Neutral French oak barrel fermentation and aging for several months. Emphasis is on oxygen exchange and texture (lees stirring) rather than imparting vanilla or toast flavors.
Food Pairings
Fresh oysters, wood-grilled branzino with lemon and herbs, roasted poultry with tarragon, or goat cheese tarts. The acidity cuts through fat while the texture matches richer seafood.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 50-54°F (10-12°C). Use a large universal or Bordeaux white glass. Decanting for 30 minutes can help the Sémillon aromatics fully bloom.
Price Range
Estimated $45 - $60 USD. A premium price point reflecting its boutique production and estate fruit source.
Quality Assessment
91-93 points. A high-quality, 'sommelier-style' Napa white that eschews the tropical, high-alcohol trends for European elegance and restraint.
Production Methods
Hand-harvested at lower sugar levels for acidity. Whole-cluster pressed and fermented with indigenous yeasts. Frequent lees stirring (bâtonnage) to build mouthfeel.
Terroir
The Oak Knoll site features well-drained gravelly soils and silty clay loam. The cool maritime influence allows for a long hang time, preserving the delicate volatile thiols of the grapes.
History & Heritage
Founded in 2017, the winery was inspired by 1960s Napa legends and Hollywood cinema. It has quickly become a landmark for its architectural 'Googie' style and intellectual approach to wine.
Interesting Facts
The label art is part of a series by designer Brian Roettinger. The name 'Sylviane' and the winery name itself are references to literature and film, reflecting the owner's background in the music and creative industries.
Cellaring Potential
Excellent for a white wine. While drinking beautifully now, the Sémillon component allows this wine to age gracefully for 7-10 years, developing more honeyed and nutty characteristics.
Similar Wines
Inglenook Blancaneaux, Matthiasson White Blend, or a high-end Hubert de Boüard Bordeaux Blanc from Pessac-Léognan.