From Apple Engineer To Fish Sauce Pioneer: Wine Is The Next Frontier For Cuong Pham

In the recent past there have been a flurry of ex-Apple employees to make waves in the wine industry, like Xander Soren who recently launched his eponymous Pinot Noir focused wine brand. Now it is Cuong Pham's turn! Pham transitioned from being an ex-Apple engineer to crafting the world’s most esteemed and purest fish sauce on earth, Red Boat Fish Sauce . Driven by curiosity and creativity, Cuong’s passion led he and his family to Napa Valley to embark on a new venture with Đồi Đá (pronounced Doy Dah) which means Rocky Hill. The inaugural release comes in the form of an exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon, rooted in the region’s scenic beauty and volcanic soils.

This limited-production wine was made by Nova Cadamatre, MW , who worked with Pham on the project since its inception. Nova is one of the truest talents in the Valley, and the wine style is fresh and elegant, while also showing a powerful side. Coming in at $125 per bottle, Đồi Đá hits the market at a relatively affordably priced Cabernet (given it's grown and produced in Napa Valley.)

Get to know Đổi Dá owner, Cuong Pham:

What makes Đổi Dá unique?

My wife Ann and I first came to Napa Valley in the 1990s. We immediately fell in love with the place and knew that everything about it was special – the beauty, the weather, and especially the wines.

That started our dream of wanting to produce our own wine one day. When we found a home on a rare 19-acre hillside parcel on Soda Canyon Road in Napa Valley we knew it could become a reality. The site is just south of the Stags Leap District and has sweeping views of the Napa Valley and volcanic soils that are perfect for exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varietals.

Upon seeing the site and its rocky soils, Đổi Dá - which means Rocky Hill in Vietnamese - was born.

I always wanted to create something that could be shared with friends and family and be enjoyed with the food I love. Not many people think of Cabernet Sauvignon and Vietnamese food, but it absolutely works.

When does the wine release?

The wine is officially released TODAY, August 13th and can be purchased here .

What is your philosophy for making wine?

We are intentionally making our style of wine so that it will pair well with food and highlight the flavors of the dishes and of the wine. Our wine is great with the foods of Vietnam as well as a dishes across the spectrum – from steak to pasta.

Our wine is crafted by Nova Cadamatre, MW who has been working for several years on this project. Nova has a great pedigree from making wine at top wineries in Napa Valley and Sonoma. She really understands what are trying to do and it comes across in the wines.

Are there similarities with making fish sauce and wine?

There are so many similarities between making fish sauce and crafting wine. The best of both products can only be made in a specific place – a true sense of terroir. You can’t cut corners with either. Both are fermented and aged in barrels and require great care and minimal intervention throughout the process. And the most expensive ingredient, but the most critical to overall quality, is time. I’ve learned so much from my experience with Red Boat. It’s really exciting to apply those experiences to Đổi Dá.

How would you describe your vision for the wine?

With Red Boat, we have helped enhance the dining experience for Americans. Now we have the wine to add to your table to enjoy those dishes.

Our first wine, a limited production 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, comes from purchased grapes from top sites in Oakville and Rutherford. It’s 100% Cabernet Sauvignon.

$125 per bottle. Only 160 cases were made.

Our 9-acre estate vineyard was planted in earlier this year with several clones of Cabernet Sauvignon as well as a small amount of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. We are excited to have this project come fully online with our estate wines over the next several years.

What does the 2022 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon taste like?

The wine is elegant and refined with supple tannins and a fresh finish. Bright blackberry and blueberry fruit flavors fill the nose along with floral and vanilla hints. The core of fruit is supported by a nice backbone of acidity, keeping the wine light on its feet. Crafted to complement a meal, the wine is ready to enjoy upon release but will age for many years to come.

The wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon crafted from top vineyard sites in Oakville and Rutherford and was aged for 18 months in 100% new French oak. The alcohol is 13.5% which is very important to us for the fresh style we are trying to make.