The Atlas Peak Mountain Series are limited production wines that showcase the best of the prestigious Napa Valley Mountains: Atlas Peak, Mount Veeder, Howell Mountain and Spring Mountain District. The grapes growing at high elevation, and above the natural fog line, experience lower daytime temperatures than those on the valley floor, allowing the grapes to stay cool while gaining maximum sun exposure. Mountain top vineyards have poorer soils, allowing better drainage, thereby producing smaller berries with more skin to juice. These wines are handcrafted by our winemaker to make more intense, more structured and age worthy wines.

VINTAGE

The 2005 vintage brought excellent quality for which Atlas Peak is known for. The long, cool growing season helped flavors develop beautifully and the large crop allowed us to have even more room to select only the best lots for our final blends. Fruit sorting and skilled winemaking decisions were especially important components of this challenging year. Though the harvest came very late, it was nearly perfect, thanks to spectacular fall weather. The Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested October 19-23, 2005. The extended hang time allowed for greater flavor development, and in the end that's the most important factor.

WINEMAKING

The wine went through primary fermentation at 85º in 100% stainless steel followed by full malolactic fermentation. It was then racked into 100% new, 60-gallon French oak barrels, where it spent 20 months before bottling. An extended maceration period of 38 days bestowed the wine with brilliant color, tannin and substance.

Winemaker Notes:
The 2005 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon holds true to site with its impressive balance and deep coloring. The aromas are a combination of ripe dark cherry and berry fruits. These powerful fruit flavors create a long, lingering finish of rich blueberry on the palate, a velvety mouthfeel and generous, but not harsh, tannins with every sip. This 2005 Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is well suited for venison steaks and twice baked potatoes.

Other Notes:
CASE PRODUCTION: 633 cases