2015 Ashes & Diamonds Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard I
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Tasting notes
Sourced from the historic George III vineyard in the heart of Rutherford, the same vineyard used by André Tchelistcheff to make wine for Beaulieu Vineyards, including the ’68 vintage that so propelled (Ashes & Diamonds owner) Kashy Khaledi into the world of wine. In homage to those golden-era pioneers, Ashes & Diamonds matched the era’s typical ripeness and blended French and American oak. Harvested on 4 September, 19 days in stainless steel. Barrel-aged for 20 months with 17% new French oak and 30% new American oak. Bright crimson. Agreeably funky on the nose – the merest hint of brett? Sufficient fruit in the middle and some sweetness and even a little coconut (maybe that's the US oak?). Not sure I would pay the price but it's an interesting addition to the California wine discussion. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Vineyard 1 No. 1, from Georges III, is powerful and sinewy, but also comes across as a bit undeveloped. There is good definition to the iron, smoke, white pepper and menthol flavors, but when I tasted the 2015 my impression is of a winemaking style being forced into a vineyard that may not be naturally well-suited to making this style of Cabernet.