Winemaker Notes

A warm growing season in 1996, followed by a cooler September, allowed fruit from the low-yielding vines to ripen slowly and evenly. After pressing and malolactic fermentation, the wine was aged 14 months in a carefully selected combination of new to four-year-old 60-gallon and 132-gallon French oak barrels. Great care was taken not to over-oak this wine. The fruit is forward with layered spicy characteristics. Rich raspberry and plum flavors are etched nicely into the palate, with complementary hints of clove and nutmeg. This wine is at home with a marinara-sauced pasta or a simple rustic pizza with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Try marinating steak with pepper and garlic for a delicious pairing with Sangiovese. Alcohol by volume: 13.9, Acid: 0.66/100ml, pH: 3.62
Atlas Peak Winery

Atlas Peak Winery

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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.

SWC92376_1996 Item# 19807