The Atlas Peak AVA of the Napa Valley has a catchy marketing logo- Today’s Discovery, Tomorrow’s Collectables. In a sense I think this may hold true.
Most of us know that vines grown in mountain regions where there is maximum sunshine (depending upon the exposure of the slope), thin soils, and for the most part such a region will experience a quick drop in temperature from day-time highs the vines which have to more or less struggle, produce fruit that is highly concentrated, and can produce wines that are well structured, and having excellent aging potential.
I think the 1999 Atlas Peak Sangiovese is a pretty good example of this. Back in 2002 when I first experienced this wine, I found it pretty much fruit forward (well pronounced aromas of ripe red and black fruit) with not much of anything else. Now almost 8 years latter, the wine has become more interesting and complex to me, yes with a little swirling it still is showing some of that ripe red and black fruit (but now being much more subtle), with a nice background of spice, earthiness, cedar, smoke, chocolate and cocoa. Couple of week’s back I found this wine at my neighborhood liquor store for sale for $12. My family truly enjoyed this wine, so yesterday I went back and bought the last two bottles.
Salute