Atlas Peak AVA Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Overview
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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 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. The hearty tannins are sufficient to allow this wine to age for many years but restrained enough to enjoy now. |
Wine Facts
VITICULTURE: 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.
VINIFICATION: After traditional fermentation takes place, the wine is aged in French Oak barrels, of which 40% are new, for 30 months.
INTERESTING FACT: The wines are named after the peak, of course, but also for the mythological Greek figure, Atlas, whose lot in life was to have the weight of the world on his back. The image of Atlas is an apt metaphor for Atlas Peak wines, which are fleshy and weighty, just like the world on Atlas’ shoulders.
FAMILY: The Atlas Peak appellation sits high in the Vaca Mountain range, on the eastern side of Napa Valley. Atlas Peak (the winery) was established in 1987, five years before the Atlas Peak AVA became official. Atlas Peak knew that their terroir was something special. The AVA boasted high altitudes (2,663 feet, no less), well-drained soils and a particular climate uniquely suited to producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa’s flagship variety.
Derek Irwin, the new winemaker for Atlas Peak, is committed to carrying on the traditions that have anchored it as one of Napa’s leading wineries, while also securing sourcing from esteemed long-term grower partners. Derek started his wine career in 1994 after graduating from UC Davis. He has consulted for wineries in various California wine regions.
Region: Atlas Peak AVA, Napa California
Country: United States
Wine Composition: 90% Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petite Verdot
Alcohol: 14.5 %
Total Acidity: 5.99 G/L
Residual Sugar: 0.53 G/L
pH: 3.60
Press Highlights
2019: 96 Pts 'Publisher's Picks' - Tasting Panel, Dec 20232019: 94 Pts 'Cellar Selection' - Wine Enthusiast, Dec 2022
2019: 94 Pts - Wine & Spirits, Nov 2022
2019: 92 Pts - James Suckling, Sept 2022
2018: 92 Pts - James Suckling, Jan 2022
Downloads
2019 Fact Sheet PDF2018 Fact Sheet PDF
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Press Highlights
Shelf Talker
2019 96Pts 'Publisher's Picks' Tasting Panel Shelf Talker
2019 94Pts 'Cellar Selection' Wine Enthusiast Shelf Talker
2018 92Pts James Suckling Shelf Talker
2019 Multi Point Sell Sheet
2018 92Pts James Suckling Sell Sheet
Atlas Peak Brand Overview Page