Winemaker Notes
The nose is driven by cavernous minerality. Layered aromas of blackcurrant, damson plum and blueberry skins, violets and bay leaves. It offers an elegant entry with punchy, dancing acidity accenting the red and black currant and berry flavors. There is a stark purity to the fruit that provides a balance between tension and lusciousness, belied by the more rustic, mountainous nose. The tannin is present but polished, smooth and mitigated by the endless acidity which keeps all the flavors vibrant throughout. It finishes very long with black cherry, blackberry, currant and plum with a pleasant underlying garrigue quality.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A rich and earthy red with conifer, walnut and ripe-fruit character. Full-bodied, chewy and formed with a long and flavorful finish. Drink or hold.
A noble variety bestowed with both power and concentration, Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys success all over the globe, its best examples showing potential to age beautifully for decades. Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes in Bordeaux's Medoc where it is often blended with Merlot and smaller amounts of some combination of Cabernet Franc, Malbecand Petit Verdot. In the Napa Valley, ‘Cab’ is responsible for some of the world’s most prestigious, age-worthy and sought-after “cult” wines. Somm Secret—DNA profiling in 1997 revealed that Cabernet Sauvignon was born from a spontaneous crossing of Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc in 17th century southwest France.
Just northeast of Napa city, Atlas Peak boasts some of Napa Valley’s highest elevation vineyards. Here the intense sunlight coupled with cool, nighttime temperatures produce grapes that are perfectly ripe, balanced and concentrated. The appellation is rich in volcanic soils and excels in the production of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.