Atlas Peak AVA Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2018 (750ml)

 

Rated 92 Points by James Suckling

 

Notes of ripe cassis, blackberries, currant bush and baking spices.  Full Bodied with layers of polished tannins, deep fruit and crushed stones.  Balanced, with a solid tannin texture.  90% Cabernet sauvignon and 10% Petit Verdot.  Drink or hold.

 

Atlas Peak AVA Cabernet Sauvignon

 

Napa Valley 2018

 

Atlas Peak is Napa Valley’s highest elevated, beautiful, yet rugged wine appellation and has been producing wines since 1870.  This rugged terrain allows the vines to struggle in the thin soil which produces grapes with a deep flavor concentration.  This 2018 Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon boasts of dark fruit, notes of espresso, and dark chocolate with a classic, velvety finish.  

 

The 2018 Atlas Peak AVA Cabernet Sauvignon is stunning, displaying a deep garnet color that immediately captures the eye as it is poured into a glass.  Well-married, intense aromas of blackberry, dark fruit and hints of rich, toasted walnut reach out of the glass, beckoning for a taste.  The flavors mimic the aromas, exploding on the palate with the structure and weight one would expect from hillside Cabernet Sauvignon, but especially from the premium vineyard on the eastern slope of Napa Valley, where these grapes are grown.  The hearty tannins are sufficient to allow this wine to age for many years, but restrained enough to also enjoy now.

 

Wine Data

 

Producer:  Atlas Peak

 

Region:  Atlas Peak AVA, Napa Valley California

 

Country:  United States

 

Composition:  90% Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Verdot

 

Alcohol:  14.5%

 

Serving Hints

 

The Atlas Peak AVA Cabernet Sauvignon is delicious on its own or when paired with filet mignon, rack of lamb, mushrooms and bold, aged cheddar cheese, as well as chocolate truffles.

 

Winemaker Notes

 

The mountain top vineyards within the Atlas Peak AVA, including Stagecoach Vineyards, provide the grapes for this wine.  With its rocky, volcanic, shallow soil, basaltic red in color, and unique climatic conditions, this rugged area provides all the ingredients for growing high-quality grapes.  After traditional fermentation takes place, the wine is aged in French Oak barrels, of which 40% are new, for 30 months.

 

Interesting Facts

 

The label takes its inspiration from Greek mythology.  Atlas was a Titan condemned to hold up the celestial heavens for eternity.  According to Greek legend, Atlas stands at the ends of the earth, in the west where the Nymphs of Golden Sunsets (Atlas’ daughters) reign.  He also played a role in the myths of two of the greatest Greek heroes, Heracles (also known in Roman mythology as Hercules), and Perseus.

 

Atlas Peak AVA

 

Atlas Peak AVA is found on the western slopes of Napa’s Vaca Range.  At an elevation of 2663 feet, it is the most prominent peak in the region.  Vineyards were first planted on Atlas Peak in 1870 and grew steadily over the next 30 years.

 

 

Atlas Peak

 

Atlas Peak Wines was founded in 1987, 5 years before the AVA was designated, with the intent to make world class wine.  High altitudes, specific soils & a unique climate proved to be very conducive for growing premium Cabernet Sauvignon, our hero varietal.

 

The label draws inspiration from ancient Greek mythology, namely the story of Atlas; a Titan condemned to hold up the sky and heavens for eternity.  Atlas also played a role in the myths of two of the greatest Greek heroes, Heracles (known as Hercules in Roman mythology) and Perseus.  According to Greek legend, Atlas stood at the ends of the earth.

 

Robert Pepi Winemaker/Consultant

 

Bob Pepi’s dad bought land in Napa Valley in the mid-1960s and started growing grapes there just around the time that Bob himself was starting college.  While Bob’s first love was animals and his major Zoology, it wasn’t too many years before the lure of the vine took hold and Bob took courses at both the University of California’s famed Enology program in Davis, and at The Wine Lab in St. Helena.

 

In 1980, his dad and he started a winery on the Oakville property, which had grown to over 70 acres of some of the best vineyards in Napa Valley.  For over ten years as winemaker and general manager of Robert Pepi Wines, Bob’s wines were best-sellers and consistent 90+ ratings-grabbers.  While best know for the winery’s popular Sauvignon Blanc and Sangiovese wines, it was with his first Cabernet Sauvignon that Bob received a “Cellar Selection” designation from the Wine Spectator.

 

In 1991, Bob became general manager for the California operations of Stimson Lane, again producing award-winning wines, including a Cabernet-based Conn Creek wine that received the highest Wine Spectator ratings of any Stimson Lane label to that time.

 

His family sold the Robert Pepi label and winery to Kendall-Jackson in 1994, leaving Bob free to take his considerable winemaking knowledge around the world as a prized consultant.  With over 60 harvests under his belt, and considerable wine business background and acumen, Bob has a combination of skills and expertise that have made him a valuable asset. 

 

In addition to California labels such as Samuel Charles and Two Angels, 90+ rated wines with grapes from the highest vineyards in CA, Bob now lends his talents to Atlas Peak, one of Napa Valley’s most illustrious labels from the premier Atlas Peak AVA.  Prized for its high altitudes, specific soils and unique climate, the AVA is very conducive for growing premium Cabernet Sauvignon, the brand’s hero varietal produced under Bob’s experienced eye.

 

When not flying around the globe helping his many clients make some of the world’s best wines, or busy tending to the vines for his own label, he can be found in his home in Napa, CA, where he enjoys being with his family and his pets, and playing an occasional “ugly” round of golf.