Ashes & Diamonds Winery, Atlas Peak, Napa Valley (California) Cabernet Sauvignon 2017

 From a high altitude (1,400 feet) vineyard established in 2000, this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon was also fermented by native yeasts and aged in French Oak (30% new) for 19 months.  It is dark garnet in color.  With moderate alcohol, it charms from the beginning with a delicate aromatic melange of ripe berry, clove, black tea and subtle toasty oak.  Savory and seamless on the palate, its flavors are refined berry and spice with light gentle tannin rounding it out.  In a word: “beautiful.”  Has the balance and all the parts to reward cellaring.