2020 Steps Proprietary Red Reserve Barrel Select Napa Valley

2020 Steps Proprietary Red Reserve Barrel Select Napa Valley

with No Comment $40-$50Atlas PeakDiamond MountainKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

STEPS

RESERVE BARREL SELECT
PROPRIETARY RED
NAPA VALLEY 2020

2020 Steps Proprietary Red Reserve Barrel Select Napa Valley
STEPS Barrel Select Reserve is designed each year from a powerfully expressive and quality-driven selection of fruit from some of Napa Valley’s most prized AVAs. Grant Long Jr. is well known for his winemaking at Aonair, Reverie II, James Joseph, and Witchery, and he creates STEPS Reserve in the same supple, concentrated, and hedonistic style that’s developed a devoted following.
 
The 2020 STEPS combines structured mountain fruit from Diamond Mountain and Atlas Peak with characteristically earthy, dusty Rutherford fruit to create a harmonious balance of Napa terroir. The blend consists of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon enhanced with Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, and Merlot, presented in a richly layered style that perfectly balances power and elegance and a long, smooth finish. 
 
STEPS
RESERVE BARREL SELECT
PROPRIETARY RED
NAPA VALLEY 2020
 
Your Price: $49.99
 
 
“The 2020 Steps Reserve Barrel Select opens with an intense nose and aromas of violet, lilac, black tea, red plum, black raspberry, and volcanic rock. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and mouth-filling with flavors of ripe plums, cocoa powder, berry bramble, and savory spice. The tannins are velvety soft but with a strong backbone that will allow the wine to age and develop further.”
94 Points
2018 Acumen Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Atlas Peak

2018 Acumen Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Atlas Peak

with No Comment $90-$100Atlas PeakCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

ACUMEN

PEAK CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2018 ATLAS PEAK

2018 Acumen Peak Cabernet Sauvignon Atlas Peak
Acumen Estate consists of 116 organically certified acres of vines on Atlas Peak, spread across two vineyards from which a small portfolio of estate-grown wines is born. The winery bases their sought-after style of Cabernet Sauvignon on the great Cabernets of the 1960s and 70s, which helped secure Napa on the international wine map.
 
Acumen sells a large portion of their mountain-grown fruit to other fine wineries in Napa Valley, allowing Chappellet’s 30-year veteran winemaker Philip Titus to focus on his favorite small vineyard blocks. The 2018 vintage is graceful with an exquisite yet powerful structure due to a cooler than average summer with zero heat spikes, allowing the grapes to slowly develop full physiological maturity, depth of aromas and flavors, and an incredible overall balance between fruit, earth, and minerality.
 
ACUMEN
PEAK CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2018 ATLAS PEAK
Retails at: $115
 
Your Price: $99.99
 
 
“The 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Peak showed nicely, with beautiful blue fruits, scorched earth, licorice, and violet aromas and flavors. With medium to full-bodied richness, it stays tight and compact on the palate, with a fresh, Bordeaux-like style in its tannins and acidity. It needs 4-5 years of bottle age but should age nicely on its purity and elegance.”
95 Points
 
“Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Peak charges out of the gate with energetic scents of red and black currants, fresh blackberries and boysenberries with suggestions of camphor, cardamom, tar and new leather plus a waft of pencil shavings. Full-bodied, concentrated and decadent in the mouth, the palate has a solid foundation of firm, grainy tannins and lively freshness to support, finishing long with a pleasantly surprising floral perfume coming through at the end.”
94+ Points
2018 Ellman Brothers Blend Napa Valley

2018 Ellman Brothers Blend Napa Valley

with No Comment $60-$70Atlas PeakKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

ELLMAN

BROTHERS BLEND
2018 NAPA VALLEY

2018 Ellman Brothers Blend Napa Valley
Ellman’s 20-acre vineyard sits at the base of Atlas Peak in an ancient riverbed. It reaps the rewards of having soils that uniquely combine the traits of volcanic hillside material with the alluvial ground of the valley floor. The vineyard, managed by Mike Wolf, one of the leading viticulture experts in Napa Valley, is carved into the rocky foothills and planted to a suitcase-clone of Cabernet Sauvignon in 1999, delivering old-world-style wines that are brilliant to taste.
 
Brought to life by winemaker Andy Erickson, who made Screaming Eagle from 2005 – 2010, and Mayacamas, which ranked #2 in the 2019 Wine Spectator Top 100, Ellman wines represent Andy’s cumulative experience, combined with expert farming and a proprietor’s distinct vision. Brother’s Blend, named after the Ellman brothers Neil and Lance, is nearly 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, accentuated with Merlot, and is aged in barrels for 22 months, producing a super smooth red that’s as Vinous writes, “dense, plush and explosive,” and “has so much to offer.”
 
ELLMAN
BROTHERS BLEND
2018 NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $95
 
 
 
“The 2018 Proprietary Red Blend Brothers Blend is dense, plush and explosive. A rush of black cherry, menthol, licorice, cloves and mocha gives the 2018 its exuberant personality. This fleshy, voluptuous red has so much to offer. Bright floral notes and a burst of red raspberry fruit punctuate the finish. This is a terrific entry-level red.”
94 Points
2018 Erickson & Caradin Ivy & Thistle Cabernet Sauvignon Atlas Peak

2018 Erickson & Caradin Ivy & Thistle Cabernet Sauvignon Atlas Peak

with No Comment $40-$50Atlas PeakCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaUSA

ERICKSON & CARADIN

2018 IVY & THISTLE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
ATLAS PEAK

2018 Erickson & Caradin Ivy & Thistle Cabernet Sauvignon Atlas Peak
True wine lovers and collectors in their own right, Erikson & Caradin set out to create Cabernet Sauvignons that top the highest standards. The two found their beginnings in 2013 when they sold the entirety of their small production to good friends and select restaurants. They continue to remain craft-focused today, with only 50 barrels produced across eight separate designations.
 
The 2018 Ivy & Thistle is the fourth vintage of one single row of Cabernet Sauvignon grown on the steepest part of the Atlas Peak Vineyard, providing intensely concentrated and expressive mountain fruit. The cool vintage allowed for a longer hang time, producing beautifully complex fruit that winemaker Kevin Morrisey fermented in concrete before aging in second-use barrels. These practices encourage the fruit’s natural expression of its terroir to be the main focus in this limited-production Cabernet Sauvignon.
 
ERICKSON & CARADIN
2018 IVY & THISTLE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 
ATLAS PEAK
Retails at: $140
 
Your Price: $49
 
 
“The 2018 Erikson & Caradin Ivy & Thistle Cabernet Sauvignon has pronounced aromas of lavender, purple lilacs, black currants, black plums, cardamom, and graphite. The flavors are rich and intense on the palate with black cherries, crushed blackberries, dark chocolate, and dried herbs. The wine is full-bodied with velvety tannins and a very smooth, persistent finish that is drinkable today or can be aged up to 10 years.”
93 Points
2019 Vista Atlas Peak Reserve Chardonnay

2019 Vista Atlas Peak Reserve Chardonnay

with No Comment $30 and underAtlas PeakChardonnayKevin VogtNapaUSA

VISTA

ATLAS PEAK RESERVE
2019 CHARDONNAY

2019 Vista Atlas Peak Reserve Chardonnay
Marked with superior concentration and uncanny value, the Vista brand is synonymous with a price-exceeding quality unmatched in its category. Their Reserve Chardonnay emerges from Atlas Peak, on the western slopes of the Vaca Mountain Range, where cool nighttime temps encourage exquisite aromas and flavors while maintaining fresh acidity.
 
For generations, Chardonnay has thrived on Atlas Peak; popularity furthered in the mid-90s when Antinori began producing Atlas Peak Chardonnay for Antica. Pahlmeyer also sourced Chardonnay from Atlas Peak, an area now well-known for producing expressive and profound Chardonnay with a clear sense of locality. At $25, this will take your “house” Chardonnay to an entirely new level.
 
VISTA
ATLAS PEAK RESERVE
2019 CHARDONNAY
 
Your Price: $25
 
 
“The 2019 Vista Atlas Peak Reserve Chardonnay begins with a fascinating nose that includes elegant honeysuckle, bright passionfruit, candied lemon, hints of vanilla bean, and white flowers. It smoothly traditions to a rich, supple mouthfeel that’s fleshy on the palate, combining honey-dipped Asian pears, and quince, with just enough bright acidity and tropical fruit character to keep it lively and fresh.”
93 Points
2019 James Joseph Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn's Reserve

2019 James Joseph Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn’s Reserve

with No Comment $40-$50Atlas PeakCabernet SauvignonCalistogaHowell MountainKevin VogtNapaUSA

JAMES JOSEPH

CABERNET SAUVIGNON  
2019 KATHRYN’S RESERVE

2019 James Joseph Cabernet Sauvignon Kathryn's Reserve
For decades, James Joseph built a reputation for crafting age-worthy Cabernets that are powerfully elegant and profoundly hedonistic. The 2019 release embodies the brand’s fingerprint conveyed with Howell Mountain Cabernet’s concentration, Atlas Peak fruit’s depth, and Calistoga’s signature minerality. 
 
The 2019 vintage combines 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, elevated with Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, aged 20 months in barrel and crafted in a concentrated and showy style ladened with dark fruits, assorted chocolates, and rocky minerals. With just four barrels produced, don’t hesitate to secure this release.
 
JAMES JOSEPH
CABERNET SAUVIGNON  
2019 KATHRYN’S RESERVE
 
Your Price: $49.99
 
 
“Balance is one of the most important aspects of wine because when all the components are in balance, the wine effortlessly draws attention and acclaim. The 2019 James Joseph does just that, beginning with a nose of ripe cherry and blackberry fruit enveloped in sweet baking spices and cocoa, like a blueberry pie that your grandmother just took out of the oven. This rich and round wine finishes with velvety tannins that make it approachable in its youth, but the depth and concentration of flavors mean that this wine can also lay down for another ten years and develop further complexity.”
96 Points
2018 Vista Atlas Peak Reserve Proprietary Red

2018 Vista Atlas Peak Reserve Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and underAtlas PeakKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

VISTA

ATLAS PEAK RESERVE
2018 PROPRIETARY RED

2018 Vista Atlas Peak Reserve Proprietary Red
Cementing its spot on my top 5 list in 2020, Vista’s 2018 Atlas Peak Red is the single most extraordinary $23 wine that I’ve tasted. The wine has the concentration, depth, complexity, and balance that you’d expect from a remarkable $50 bottle of high-elevation Napa wine, but at $23, it’s hard to wrap your head around how it can be that good, for the modest price.
 
At 2,000 feet elevation on Atlas Peak, Vista’s 2018 Reserve Blend was wrought from the rocky red Aiken soils and perfectly shows off the deep, concentrated flavors that make this region famous. Predominately Cabernet Sauvignon, balanced with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, if you’re looking for a wine that tastes like it should be at least double or triple the price, this is it.
 
VISTA
ATLAS PEAK RESERVE
2018 PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $23
2018 Acumen Mountainside Proprietary Red Napa Valley

2018 Acumen Mountainside Proprietary Red Napa Valley

with No Comment $30-$40Atlas PeakKevin VogtNapaProprietary Red

ACUMEN

2018 MOUNTAINSIDE
PROPRIETARY RED
NAPA VALLEY

2018 Acumen Mountainside Proprietary Red Napa Valley
Acumen wines have a definitive style similar to Napa Valley’s great Cabernets from the 1960s and 1970s. They craft classically structured, balanced wines marked by complexity and ageability under renowned winemaker Phillip Titus, winemaker at Chappellet for nearly 30 years. At $40, Acumen’s Mountainside Red embodies the soul of their Estate vineyard, their team’s talent, and their proprietor’s drive, offering immeasurable value. 
 
At around 1500 feet elevation on Atlas Peak, Acumen’s Mountainside Blend was wrought from the rocky, volcanic soils and relatively cool climate, perfectly depicting the deep, concentrated flavors that make this region famous.
 
Acumen sells most of their fruit, allowing Phillip Titus to focus on his favorite blocks for Acumen’s estate wines. Phillip created this wine around a core of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, blended with Merlot and Petit Verdot for soft, supple characteristics, balancing the power of Mountain Cabernet.
 
ACUMEN
2018 MOUNTAINSIDE
PROPRIETARY RED
NAPA VALLEY
Retails at: $45
 
Your Price: $39.99
 
 
“This full-bodied wine starts with fragrant aromas of ripe blackberries, potpourri, freshly turned earth, and Chambord. On the palate, we find mouth-coating flavors of blueberries, Santa Rosa plums, and baking spices with a pleasant grip of ripe tannins coupled with notes of toffee, rhubarb compote, fresh sage and cigar box on the long and pleasant finish.”
2017 Revana Cabernet Sauvignon Terroir Series

2017 Revana Cabernet Sauvignon Terroir Series

with No Comment $90-$100Atlas PeakCabernet SauvignonKevin VogtNapaOak KnollSt HelenaSt. HelenaUSA

REVANA 

CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2017 TERROIR SERIES 

2017 Revana Cabernet Sauvignon Terroir Series
Revana Vineyards was established under the philosophy that world-class wine begins in the vineyard. They hired Jim Barbour, one of Napa Valley’s top viticulturists to manage their vineyards. In Jim’s 30+ year career he’s planted some of the greatest vineyards in Napa Valley, including; Hundred Acre, Grace Family, Amuse Bouche, Pride, and the list goes on. They elevated their wines to an even higher level when they brought in Thomas Brown as consulting winemaker. Brown is at the top of his game and is one of the dominating forces in Cabernet. Their 2017 Terroir Series Cabernet powerfully reflects the winery’s standards of excellence. 
 
Winemaker Geoff Davies, and consultant Thomas Brown created the 2017 Terroir series from three powerfully distinctive vineyards in St Helena, Oak Knoll and Atlas Peak. Each renowned site plays a magnificent role in the wines complexity and overall balance. 
 
At the winery, the fruit is meticulously sorted by hand and whole cluster fermented in small lots. Dr. Revana believes that Brown’s artfully restrained approach to winemaking allows for a pure expression of Cabernet, and his attention to every detail results in wines of purity, depth, character and elegance.
 
REVANA 
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2017 TERROIR SERIES
Retails at: $105
 
Your Price: $99.99
 
 
“Lush and inviting, featuring a warm and silky wave of plum and blackberry sauce flavors, infused with black tea and subtle tobacco notes. Echoes of licorice root and loam run through the finish, with the fruit hanging on nicely. Drink now through 2025.”
91 Points
 
“Under the guidance of two Napa Valley legends, Vineyard Manager, Jim Barbour, and Winemaker, Thomas Rivers Brown, each vineyard block is hand-harvested, whole berry sorted and micro-fermented in small batches to maintain the individual expressions of terroir. This results in a richly textured Napa Valley Cabernet blend that is incredibly approachable upon release.”
2018 Vista Atlas Peak Reserve Proprietary Red

2018 Vista Atlas Peak Reserve Proprietary Red

with No Comment $30 and underAtlas PeakKevin VogtNapaProprietary RedUSA

VISTA

ATLAS PEAK RESERVE
2018 PROPRIETARY RED

2018 Vista Atlas Peak Reserve Proprietary Red
Vista’s 2018 Atlas Peak Red is the single most extraordinary $23 wine that I’ve tasted, and for that reason, it made my top 5 list in 2020. The wine has the concentration, depth, complexity, and balance that you’d expect from a remarkable $40-$50 bottle of high-elevation Napa wine, but at $23, it’s hard to wrap your head around how it can be that good, for the modest price. This vintage is a game-changer for superior quality, value-priced Mountain wines, and the 1,000 case production will fall short of what’s needed to match demand once people taste it.
 
At 2,000 feet elevation on Atlas Peak, Vista’s 2018 Reserve Blend was wrought from the rocky red Aiken soils and perfectly shows off the deep, concentrated flavors that make this region famous.
 
Predominately Cabernet Sauvignon, balanced with Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the 2018 vintage envelopes your palate in a blanket of perfectly ripe berries laced with crushed violets, espresso bean, and rocky minerals. If you’re looking for a wine that tastes like it should be at least double or triple the price, this is it.
 
VISTA
ATLAS PEAK RESERVE
2018 PROPRIETARY RED
 
Your Price: $23
 
“While the first vintage of Vista Atlas Peak Red Blend 2017 set a new standard completely unheard of at this modest price, the Vista Atlas Peak Reserve Red Blend 2018 raises that bar even higher. It begins with aromas of crushed dark berries, creme de cassis, black plum, earthy minerals, pencil lead, dried sage, and vanilla. This beauty has an intensely concentrated palate, with blackberry purée, focused black cherries, red currants, mountain blueberries, allspice, and rocky minerals. It is a gorgeous example of Mountain fruit that is mind-bogglingly great at this price. Wow. Drink now through 2028.”
95-97 Points