Atalon Mountain Estate Merlot 1997

The soul of the Atalon story is a ghost winery dating back to 1888. Built by General W.S. Keyes, the white-stone building atop Howell Mountain claims a stake in Napa Valley viticultural lore. At the turn of the twentieth century, General Keyes was producing wines considered to be among the best in Napa County from this old landmark.

The famed Howell Mountain property was acquired by the Jackson family in 1996 and renamed the Keyes Vineyard in honor of the early farmer's pioneering viticultural contributions. Today, the historic ghost winery stands as a strong reminder of a 150-year old tradition of growing wine grapes within the thirty-mile stretch of the Napa Valley frontier.

In 1997, Atalon was created to revive the vineyard's past accomplishments and to build on the area's reputation for producing remarkable red wines. Although inspired by ghosts long gone, Atalon wines reflect a modern understanding of farming Napa's rugged mountains and valleys for the most balanced and expressive wines.

Drawing fruit from selected vineyards, the wines are a composite of vineyards stretching from the rolling hills of Napa-Carneros in the south to the peaks of Howell Mountain in the north. Atalon is dedicated to the true essence and flavor of the Napa Valley, a distinction defined by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.