2016 Conn Creek AVA Series Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon

Conn Creek in St. Helena, Napa Valley, was founded in 1973 by Bill and Kathy Collins, who had been amateur winemakers and enthusiasts making wine in their home. But after purchasing 54 acres of vineyards in northern Napa Valley the couple embarked on producing Cabernet Sauvignon under the Conn Creek label. In 1986 the estate was sold to Stimson Lane, the wine and spirits conglomerate owned by Altria, previously known as the Philip Morris Companies Inc. Today the estate makes Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc and Anthology, its flagship blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

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.