I first learned of this wine in an article by Karen MacNeil (author of The Wine Bible) on Napa mountain ranges in the first wine book I ever owned, The Ultimate Wine Companion, edited by Kevin Zraly (from the late restaurant, Windows on the World atop One World Trade Center).  I spotted this wine at Hilltop Liquor for $34.99.  As Karen explains, vineyards are not only found on the valley floor, but also along the two mountain ranges of Napa: the Mayacamas to the west and the Vaca to the east.  Atlas Peak is found on the Vaca range.  Generally speaking, grapes that come from the mountain vineyards provide concentrated fruit, as the elevation (up to 2,000 feet) places the vineyards above Napa’s fog line, keeps temperatures cool, and allows the grapes to ripen slowly while bathing in sun for many hours each day.  Atlas Peak is one of 16 AVAs within the Napa Valley AVA, so you will find other wines that designate Atlas Peak as the source of the grapes.

As for this spotted wine, though the name of the winery is Atlas Peak, the sources of grapes come from all over Napa Valley.  At a wine experience, we can discuss how to read wine labels so that you know what your are buying or at least what to generally expect when you open the bottle.  Also, this winery has an interesting story of ownership, which details how complex some of the business is in the wine industry.  Currently, Atlas Peak is operated by Accolade Wines, an international company that manages over 40 brands around the world and is headquartered in Australia.  Accolade was purchased last year by Carlyle Group, an American private equity company, for $1 billion.

From the winemaker: Robust and full-bodied with supple tannins and dense blackberry fruit. Some of the world’s best vineyards dot the hillsides, mountain tops, and lowlands of the Napa Valley. We source our blend from multiple sites throughout the valley obtaining rich ripe fruit from up-valley near Calistoga, structure and length from the famous ‘Rutherford dust’, texture from Oakville, deep concentration from the famed Atlas Peak and elegance and refinement from Spring Mountain.