Ashes & Diamonds Blanc No. 5 · Napa Valley, California · 2019

The Moment

This is the bottle for guests who say, “I usually drink white Bordeaux… but surprise me.” It’s cerebral, architectural, and quietly daring — the kind of wine that rewards attention and slows the table down.

What It Feels Like

The nose is earthy, floral, and layered, opening with honeysuckle, dried flowers, fig, and apricot, then pulling you deeper with green apple, kiwi, beeswax, and light smoke. There’s a subtle oak presence — not sweet, but nutty and structural, more old library than pastry shop.

On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied with a distinctly waxy, textured feel. Flavors unfold slowly: kiwi, green apple, melon, dried herbs, and stone fruit, supported by a nutty core that hints at almond skin and crushed shells. The acidity is vibrant and precise, keeping the wine lifted despite its richness.

The finish is long, tense, and mineral-driven, closing on sliced lemon, light stone, and a faint grassy edge. It feels both complete and unresolved — in the best possible way.

Perfect For

• Roasted poultry or turkey with herbs

• Mushroom dishes or root vegetables

• Creamy but restrained sauces

• Wine drinkers who love white Bordeaux, Jura, or aged Chenin

The Vibe Pairing

• Playlist energy: Experimental jazz, modern classical, art-house soundtracks

• Aura color: Bone white, pale gold, soft graphite

• Time of day: Late dinner → thoughtful conversation

Why We Love It

Blanc No. 5 is California through a European, intellectual lens. Barrel-fermented, lees-aged, and unapologetically structured, it blurs the line between white Bordeaux, Napa history, and modern minimalism. This is not a “bright” white — it’s a thinking wine with serious aging potential.

Wild & Experimental · Still White