Atlas Peak, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley

10% Petite Verdot from Anderson Valley. And that shows on the nose and all the palate. Tastes like Atlas Peak, which is not a compliment. Although if the woman sitting across from me is actually the young winemaker, she will be one to watch.

Retail $80. Heavy bottle. DIAM5. Fairly dark in the glass with a brooding, brambly nose of blackberry, plum, and black pepper. Even with some time open, this wine was shy, almost reclusive in the glass, but it was clear that there would be plenty to admire on the palate. Indeed. While the similarities to the slightly less expressive Atlas Peak Cab are many, this iteration, from the Atlas Peak appellation (yeah, it’s confusing) is richer, more expressive, more “vervy” (is …

For some reason this one is striking me.

One of inexpensive wines we bought on a whim from Winebid with no expectations. Medium garnet and skewing more towards brick. Stewed cherries with lots of green notes on the nose. Light bodied, dry, and medium high acidity. Fresh cherries, dried strawberries, and tart cranberries start off the palate. Some vanilla and herbs show up on the mid-palate. Well integrated strong and grippy tannins coat the mouth. Finish is moderate in length with black pepper, leather, and a bit of …

Excellent addition to our 1 year wedding anniversary. Medium to heavy tannins accompany fruit and light oak flavor, good legs.

heavier than normal tannins cover lighter fruit, good legs, not sure if tannins will develop this wine