Ashes & Diamonds 'Rouge No. 6', Napa Valley, California NV

Ashes & Diamonds 'Rouge No. 6', Napa Valley, CA NV 

Ashes & Diamonds crafts wines that bridge old-school Napa elegance with modern minimalism. 'Rouge No. 6' is a multi-vintage blend designed for early enjoyment, showcasing a harmonious selection of Bordeaux varieties sourced from diverse Napa Valley vineyards.

• WINEMAKER: Steve Matthiasson
  
• FARMING: Organic
  
• VARIETY: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Cabernet Franc, 12% Merlot
• TERROIR: A blend of select Napa Valley vineyards, incorporating high-elevation sites with thin, rugged soils and valley floor plots with richer, deeper soils.
• VINIFICATION: Multi-vintage blending to enhance approachability; fermented and aged in neutral French oak barrels.
• AGING: Neutral French oak (Bossuet & Taransaud)
• TASTING NOTES: A supple, fruit-forward red with layers of dark berries, red currants, and subtle herbaceous notes. Balanced acidity and refined tannins lead to a smooth, elegant finish.
• FOOD PAIRINGS: Ideal with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and aged cheeses.

From our Q2 2025 Cellar Builder Clubs:

Just like the winery, Ashes & Diamonds Rouge No. 6 is simultaneously a time capsule of Napa Valley in the 1960s and a modern take on a Bordeaux blend. In his classic and restrained winemaking style, Steve Matthiasson captures fresh fruit, beautiful acidity, and refined, integrated oak in this Cabernet-dominant blend. Reminiscent of the old-world winemaking practices that Napa Valley was founded on, these traditional viticulture and winemaking methods have seen a resurgence—led by Steve and Ashes & Diamonds. In their commitment to being good stewards of the land, a portion of the proceeds from this label is donated to global activism charities supporting Mother Earth.

To push industry standards and stay true to their philosophy, Rouge No. 6 is non-vintage. The blend is selected to achieve the original Napa style from the 1960s, allowing the winemaker to pull select lots without restrictions to craft a blend that’s both classic and fresh while ensuring all barrels find a good home.

The vineyard, farmed with precision and a deep commitment to sustainability by Matthiasson, benefits from a combination of cool-climate sites and an unwavering focus on quality. This allows the fruit to develop complex flavors while maintaining a delicate freshness, reflecting the innovative spirit of Ashes & Diamonds.

In the glass, this is a more restrained Bordeaux blend than the typical Napa style, with a more delicate extraction. Black cherries and blackberry juice hit you first, before the palate follows up with vibrant acidity, lively dark fruit, and subtle spice—both elegant and powerful. The multi-vintage blend lets the tannins integrate smoothly, creating a silky texture and a long, lingering finish that makes you wonder: is it 1965 or 2025?  — Joelle Underwood, DECANTnapa, Feb 2025