2012 Atalon Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley

A 2012 Napa Discount We’re Not Explaining

Since the early 1980s, we’ve barrel-tasted new vintages of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon in early summer. In July 2013, we tasted over 200 wines, including this one. We could have counted the clunkers on a single hand. If you asked us what so distinguished the 2012s during our barrel-tastings, we would have cited the astounding consistency of the vintage (Robert Parker famously wrote that it was almost impossible to find an unimpressive 2012!), the juicy black-fruit voluptuousness, and the unusual suppleness of tannins. The bountiful 2012 harvest of sensational concentration and juiciness almost single-handedly patched up tattered balance sheets in Napa, as prices soared up and down the Silverado Trail.

How is it, then, that we’re able to propose the 2012 Atalon Cabernet Sauvignon — drawn from some of the finest vineyards in the valley and crafted by the uber-talented Brian Kosi (PlumpJack, Opus One, Freemark Abbey) — at today’s price?

Don’t ask. We’re not telling.

The 2012 Atalon was drawn mainly from three blue-chip vineyard sources — Round Pond in Rutherford, Stagecoach on Atlas Peak, and one of the steeper plantings high atop Mount Veeder. Harvest in Rutherford began on September 22nd but the last clusters wouldn’t be picked on Mt. Veeder until Halloween. Kosi treated the wine to a 15-month stay in 85% French (1/4 new) and 15% American barrels. Despite a finished alcohol reading of a hefty 14.5%, acids remained firm, with pH coming in at an unusually vibrant 3.66!

Opaque purple in hue. Voluptuous yet precise aromas of crushed black fruits and violets, framed by cedar and spice. Rich, polished, and pliant on the attack, showing the plush core of Rutherford, classic Stagecoach Vineyard Atlas Peak muscle, and the briery extravagance of Mt. Veeder — and finishing with ripe, supple-tannin backbone.

Is there another 2012 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon of this pedigree on the market for $21/bottle? No shot. 120 bottles are up for grabs … while they last. 

• ABV 14.50%
• Enjoy right away
• % Cabernet Sauvignon