2013 Rombauer Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon

Rombauer Vineyards is a 10-acre estate in St. Helena, in the Napa Valley. It was founded in 1980 by Koerner and Joan Rombauer. Koerner was a commercial airline pilot for many years and is also the grand nephew of Irma Rombauer, who in 1936 wrote the Joy of Cooking cookbook, which is still considered a classic cookbook. In 1972 the Rombauers bought 40 acres of hilltop land on the Silverado Trail, establishing the winery eight years later. Today the family still owns and operates the estate, which produces Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and dessert wines. Rombauer is particularly known for its Chardonnay.

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.