Atlas Peak
Atlas Peak 1997 Sangiovese (Atlas Peak)
- $16
A juicy, delicious wine; the best Atlas Peak Sangiovese so far. It’s got pronounced berry-fruit flavors, with a peppery, spicy component and a rich earthiness. Soft and round, it’s easy to drink, and while not especially complex, offers plenty of pleasure. Finishes with just a slight hit of tannins.
— S.H.
(5/1/2001)
Atlas Peak 1999 Sangiovese (Napa Valley)
- $16
Starts with the prettiest black-cherry and smoke aromas, mingled with vanilla and spice notes, like a warm fruit tart. Long, sweetly fruity flavors of black cherries and spices are wrapped in soft tannins and adequate acidity. Not complex, but delicious, nevertheless.
— S.H.
(11/15/2001)
Atlas Peak 2001 Chardonnay (Atlas Peak)
- Online Exclusive
- $16
An interesting wine with tight acids and tannins and compressed fruit, the result of austere mountain growing conditions. Flavors range from lemons to green apples, but the overlay of oak is strong, with a powerful toasty note.
— S.H.
(6/1/2003)
Atlas Peak 2000 Reserve Sangiovese (Atlas Peak)
- $30
Nobody in California has worked harder than Atlas Peak to get Sangiovese right. This vintage doesn’t make it any easier. Aromas of tobacco, mushrooms, cardboard and a hint of berry jam. In the mouth the wine is soft and gentle, with a tannic bite in the finish.
— S.H.
(9/1/2003)
Atlas Peak 2003 Claret Red (Atlas Peak)
- $86
Atlas Peak, now under the ownership of Beam Wine Estates, is reinventing itself. This new wine, by veteran winemaker Darren Procsal, shows promise. It’s a big, dry Cab, not as astringent as in the past but still tannic enough to demand cellaring. Should be better between 2009 and 2015, but it’s a gamble.
— S.H.
(12/15/2006)
Atlas Peak 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon (Spring Mountain)
- $86
Here’s a tough, young, tannic wine, not drinkable now, but it shows promise. Those pesky tannins lock down the blackberry flavors, making the wine taste even drier than it is. Try after 2009.
— S.H.
(12/15/2006)
Atlas Peak 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley)
- Online Exclusive
- $35
Lots of acidity in this still-young Cabernet, giving the blackberry and cassis flavors a real bite that accentuates the tannins. It’s tough now despite the richness, but doesn’t have the stuffing for aging, so drink now with rich fare to balance the acids.
— S.H.
(12/15/2011)
Atlas Peak 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon (Mount Veeder)
- Online Exclusive
- $86
This is a nice, plush Cabernet, soft and sweet in blackberry, currant and chocolate fruit flavors, but it’s not a classic example of Mount Veeder Cabs, which are usually drier and more tannic. Drink in the short term.
— S.H.
(2/1/2009)
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