
Winemaker Notes
The long, slow 1997 growing season has produced our best Sangiovese to date. The fruit is concentrated with ripe plum and black cherry and blackberry flavors accentuated by a complex layering of oak and smoke spice character.
With the release of our hearty 1997 Reserve Sangiovese it is clear why Atlas Peak Vineyards has become America's leading producer of this wonderful Tuscan grape variety.
The rich, plum flavors of this wine are certainly at home with a marinara-sauced pasta or a simple rustic pizza with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. Try marinating a steak with pepper and garlic for a delicious pairing with this Sangiovese.
Alcohol: 14.2% by volume
Professional Ratings
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.