“A&D VINEYARD” is located at the Ashes & Diamonds estate in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. Its alluvial soils derive from volcanic and marine sediments washed down from the Mayacamas Mountains into gravelly clay loam. Oak Knoll’s lingering morning fog and afternoon sea breezes support a moderate growing season favoring temperance over heat spikes.
Planted in 1986 to Clone 214 from Caldwell Nursery in the Cabernet Franc block, and Joseph Phelps and Robert Mondavi field selections for the Merlot block, the vineyard is farmed organically with minimal irrigation save for the driest of summer days.