2014 Addendum Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5ltr

Addendum Wines is a new, northern California venture from the Fess Parker family of Santa Barbara County winemaking fame. After nearly 30 years of winemaking in Santa Barbara County the Fess Parker family decided to make Bordeaux-style wines in Napa Valley using grapes sourced from prestigious appellations, including Rutherford and Atlas Peak. Winemaker for the project is Blair Fox, who also oversees winemaking for the rest of the Fess Parker portfolio of wines. The debut 2014 vintage won accolades from reviewers, including scores of 95 pts for two of the wines.

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.