Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
A blend of fruit from mountain, bench and valley floor sites, including the home estate rising to 2,400 feet in the hills east of Yountville, this channels diverse growing conditions into a spicy, foursquare cabernet. The black pepper tension in the tannins seems to restrict the warmth and roundness of the fruit, delivering a lean red with enough structure and richness for roast leg of lamb.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
A perfect picture of a Napa Valley AVA Cabernet, the 2012 Atlas Peak deftly combines the AVA's of Howell Mountain, Spring Mountain, Mt. Veeder and Atlas Peak to bring us flavors of ripe red and black currants, a hint of dust and firm, sweet tannins. Drinks very well now and sure to get even better with a bit of time. Winemaker Ondine Chattan has consistently produced wines of great style and elegance and this wine fits well in the scenario. Enjoy this one with seared beef over freshly tossed salad greens. (Tasted: May 21, 2015, San Francisco, CA)
One of the most prestigious wines of the world capable of great power and grace, Napa Valley Cabernet is a leading force in the world of fine, famous, collectible red wine. Today the Napa Valley and Cabernet Sauvignon are so intrinsically linked that it is difficult to discuss one without the other. But it wasn’t until the 1970s that this marriage came to light; sudden international recognition rained upon Napa with the victory of the Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1976 Judgement of Paris.
Cabernet Sauvignon undoubtedly dominates Napa Valley today, covering half of the land under vine, commanding the highest prices per ton and earning the most critical acclaim. Cabernet Sauvignon’s structure, acidity, capacity to thrive in multiple environs and ability to express nuances of vintage make it perfect for Napa Valley where incredible soil and geographical diversity are found and the climate is perfect for grape growing. Within the Napa Valley lie many smaller sub-AVAs that express specific characteristics based on situation, slope and soil—as a perfect example, Rutherford’s famous dust or Stags Leap District's tart cherry flavors.