With wineries now beginning to open up, this is a good time to explore new and exciting wine clubs. The best are those that first of all offer truly exciting, high quality wines not normally available in the marketplace.
Special events, first dibs on small production wines, and other perks to membership are second in importance.
Introducing Ashes & Diamonds, Napa
Recently featured in my post at www.winereviewonline.com Ashes & Diamonds is new, the wines are super, the tasting room is bright, lively and the charming owner, who was there when I dropped in, is often on the scene.
The winery and visitor’s center are not typical Napa. In fact, they are the opposite of the chateau wannabes dotting the landscape. The main building is a stark white rectangle with an odd, zig-zag roof and port-hole windows, which Vogue noted it looks more like a silicon Valley start-up than a winery. It seems to be trying to attract a young crowd by being open longer hours (7:00 pm closing) and by hiring a young chef who helped put Scribe Cellars on the millennial radar.
And there is some instagram-like freshness in the winery’s motto: “Ashes & Diamonds Winery is a love letter to Napa as it was when it first took the world stage in the 1960s.”
There are 3 different membership levels. Here are a few of the perks:
The winery Picnic is complimentary for all members.
The A&D Wines + Cheese experience ($75 for non-members) is $35 for 3 & 6-Bottle members. Complimentary for 12-Bottle members.
The A&D Grand Cuvée Flight ($75 for non-members) is $35 for 3 & 6-Bottle members. Complimentary for 12-Bottle members.
The A&D Wines + Food experience ($125 for non-members) is $60 for 6 & 12-Bottle Members only.
Act fast if you want to join.
After joining, check out my favorite which was rated 95 points:
Ashes & Diamonds Napa Valley, Mt Veeder, (Saffron Vineyard Mountain Cuvee #2) 2017 ($75)
From a high elevation, dry-farmed site planted in 2000, this wine consists of 55% Merlot, 20% Cabernet, and 25% Cab Franc. After a cold-soaking encouraged a native fermentation, the wine was blended and aged for 19th months is French and American oak, 30% new. Dark, youthful in appearance, the wine shows vibrant herbal and plum aromas with a touch of cocoa. On the palate it seems light and bright with refined delicate berry/fruit flavors, rounded by ultra soft tannins. It has a delightful long finish. The oak remains in the background but should come into play with cellaring. Mt Veeder is one of Napa’s coolest sites for Bordeaux varieties. Overall, a charming, refined wine reminiscent of a Margaux. 321 case produced.
Dont hesitate. You can thank me later.
Norm Roby's Unfiltered Guide to Savvy Wine Shopping 