Winemaker Notes
This wine opens with a bouquet of violets, dark espresso, and the eucalyptus trees that dot the hillsides around the Estate. On the palate, concentrated flavors of black cherries, boysenberry, and mission figs are complemented by earthy nuances of sage, graphite, and volcanic minerals, evolving into a well-framed finish with aromas of Valrhona cocoa powder, tobacco, and basalt. The firm structure and mouthcoating tannins reflect the vineyard’s sun-drenched exposure, offering a rich freshness and distinct complexity.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Great power and depth come together with vivid dark-fruit flavors in this opulent, intense and polished wine. Delicious black cherries, dried blueberries, spearmint and creme de cassis on the palate, soothed by a velvety texture of massive but fine-grained tannins.
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.