Atlas Peak: Wines with Altitude
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When I recently followed up an invitation to taste mountain grown wines, I came away impressed. For such a small sub-appellation
It is important for wine lovers to know that there are two roads that reach the Atlas Peak Appellation -- Soda Canyon Road and Atlas Peak Road. But, with elevations between 1400 and 1800 feet high, and narrow, winding roads, the area is not the site of grand wineries spilling open to the general public. Instead, the wineries are tucked into the rocky landscape, hidden within Historically,
One of these vintners, Dr. Jan Krupp, describes his wines as coming from a rocky sun-drenched terroir and terrain. Elan’s founder, Patrick Elliott-Smith agrees that the terrain is rugged, and is enthusiastic about the ability to grow small amounts of intense fruit. Because these wines are from mountain produced grapes, they have a unique character, namely they are elegant, full-bodied, and display pronounced, bold tannins and a deep, concentrated color. These wines just seem to resonate with the palate, with vibrant intensity of tannins and dark fruit. Tasting Notes: 2002 Astrale e
2003 Atlas Peak Claret ($85): One of the best known from this AVA, this wine is made from fruit grown at an elevation of 1,000 feet. It displays subtle blueberry fruit, dried herbs, and pronounced oak flavors. 2004 Bialla Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon :( $93): Exquisite gripping tannins balanced with acids lends itself to elegance. Outstanding dried fruit flavors, and supple texture. 2003 Cobblestone “Cobblestone Vineyard Reserve” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($69): Rich fruit with a lot of character, impressive on the nose, great middle palate, round balanced flavors of ripe blackberry and black pepper. 2002 Dominari Cabernet Sauvignon ($75): Sophisticated bouquet of smoke and spice draws you into the rich blueberry and cherry flavors. A robust structure, wonderful mouth feel, and plum and chocolate on the finish. 2004 The Doctor, Krupp Vineyard,
2002 Elan Vineyards Napa Valley Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon ($50): The pronounced elegance and suppleness is enhanced by dark berry flavors, pronounced soft tannins, and a focused finish. 2005 Barrel sample of Hill Family Estates Cabernet Sauvignon (the 2003 is $38): This was fruit forward, with a good mid palate, cherry, lavender, cola and raspberry flavors. Check out the new tasting room in Yountville. 2004 Jocelyn Lonen Reserve Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($60): Lighter bodied and elegant, the subtle fruit spice on the nose counterbalances the nut and dried berry on the finish. 2004 Vin Roc Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($95): Round with dried cherry, and cedar, underscored with a smooth finish of cola and leather, and a slight bell pepper edge. Contact Information: http://www.atlaspeakappellation.com/ Astrale e Terra 707-255-1134 www.astraleeterra.com/
www.atlaspeak.com 707.226.1094 Bialla Vineyards 415-606-6629 www.biallavineyards.com Cobblestone Vineyards 707-259-1110 www.cobblestonewine.com/ Dominari 707-226-1600 www.dominari.com/ Elan Vineyards www.elanvineyards.com 707) 252-3339 Hill Family Estate 707-944-9580 www.hillfamilyestate.com Jocelyn Lonen Winery 707-257-2821 www.jocelynlonen.com/ Krupp Brothers Estates 707-226-2215 www.veraison.net/ Vin Roc 707-265-0943 www.vinrocnapa.com/
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