Winemaker Notes
The Atlas Peak 2005 Claret is an intricate blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc that combines power, structure and elegance. The 2005 Claret is quite possibly the best edition we have produced thus far. Its inky dark color, luscious blueberry and ripe cherry fruit, plush mouthfeel and bold tannins will reward cellaring. This wine pairs beautifully with Steak au Poivre and roasted red potatoes.
57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Petit Verdot, 12% Merlot, 11% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Franc
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Very sweet in fruit and refined in texture, a softly gentle wine to enjoy now and over the next six years. Shows lots of blackberry, cherry, orange zest, licorice and sandalwood flavors, wrapped into rich, silky tannins.
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.