Lot 884 2018 Atlas Peak Petit Verdot
Small production crowd-pleaser from one of Atlas Peak’s best vintages of Petit Verdot.
We were thrilled when a sample of this powerhouse Petit Verdot arrived at our office late last year and after just one sip (there was no spitting this one back out), we quickly scooped up all 180 cases this very well-known producer had available. When you take your first sip, you’ll see why.
Today’s release Lot 884 2018 Atlas Peak Petit Verdot hails from the fabled Atlas Peak AVA in the Napa Valley, an appellation prized for growing grapes dating back to 1870 and stretching to over 2,500 feet high on the western slopes of Napa’s Vaca Range. The AVA is home to the likes of tiple-digit-priced Kongsgaard, iconic Antinori’s Antica winery, the legendary Stagecoach Vineyard (source of some of the region’s highest-scoring wines), and cult winery icons Hesperian and Alpha Omega.
In addition to the AVA, the 2018 vintage was one that Decanter raved “belongs in an echelon with the finest of the past two decades” for Napa Valley. The report added that “the best wines show control, poise, and transparency.” All of that coupled with the fact there were no-expenses-spared by the source winery with this Petit Verdot being coopered for 30 months in 100% French Oak (50% of that being new oak), this is a stunning expression of the varietal and one you’ll not want to miss out on.
Deep ruby-purple color. Knockout aromas of inky dark fruit, savory wild herbs, and flourishes of toasted cedar. Voluptuous on entry, overflowing with rich blackberry and red berry fruit compote, warm baking spices, dark chocolate, and dried sage and thyme. Firm tannins build with power as compelling acidity brings everything into focus. A lengthy finish is punctuated by white pepper, chocolate laced with cinnamon, and a touch of toasty oak.
Watch as Chris Lafleur, Sommeliers Creed for Cameron Hughes walks us through a tasting.