2022 Scribe Field Guide 7.6 West Side Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon

Scribe Winery is part of the wave of new California wine ventures operated by young people aiming to redefine California winemaking. Founded in 2007 by brothers Andrew and Adam Mariani, their Sonoma estate was once one of the state's first Riesling vineyards. Another part of the estate was a turkey farm. The brothers come from a family of California walnut farmers that goes back four generations and their approach to winemaking is non-interventionist and site-specific. In keeping with the German wine heritage of the property, Scribe produces Sylvaner and Riesling, as well as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Atlas Peak AVA is perched above the Stags Leap AVA to the northeast of the city of Napa. Elevation ranges from 760 to 2,600 feet, and temperatures are up to 15 degrees cooler in the Atlas Peak vineyards compared with vineyards in the valley. There are 1,500 vineyard acres planted primarily to Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The appellation was named for Atlas Peak, which, at 2,633 feet above sea level, is the highest peak in the area.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.