Napa’s Nested AVAs : Atlas Peak
"Our climate, soils and topography are influenced by two deep canyons that carve their way up the eastern mountains of Napa Valley. Milliken Canyon to the southwest and Rector Canyon to the northwest ultimately rise to the elevated plateau known as Foss Valley where Chardonnay shines with the mountains continuing to rise to Atlas Peak Mountain where Cabernet Sauvignon excels."
- Glenn Salva, Antinori Napa Valley
Romain C. DeBoom
Presumably due to the height and significance of Atlas Peak as a landmark in this corner of Napa Valley, it became the generally recognized name for the region in the late 1800's. While the origin of the name Atlas Peak for the mountain and region is unknown, the earliest print reference to the name Atlas Peak appeared in the July 10, 1875 issue of the Napa County Recorder.
The first vineyard of 1000 vines was planted by James Reed Harris in 1870 and by 1893 his vineyard had grown to 47 acres. In 1887, Romain C. Deboom made the first Atlas Peak wine. By 1895 there were at least 6 known vineyards in the area, most of which survived the Phylloxera epidemic during the 1890's.
The region initially gained renown as a place with a "healthful climate" that "offered relief to sufferers of asthma and other respiratory ailments." In 1880 the California State Legislature considered the area as a potential location for a "State Hospital for Consumptives." Atlas Peak was considered due to its "equitability of temperature, freedom from fogs or from harsh winds, the dryness of the atmosphere and abundant supply of pure water".
Unfortunately the early vineyards of Atlas Peak were abandoned following the enactment of Prohibition in 1920 and no new vineyards were planted in the area until 1940 when a new vineyard was planted, on Mead Ranch, in the southwest corner of the AVA. Since then various new vineyards have been planted, often taking advantage of favorable sites previously planted in the 1800's. Atlas Peak was officially recognized as an American Viticultural Area in 1992 and today, the appellation is known for many renowned wineries.
Atlas Peak is located in Napa Valley, California, on the western slopes of the Vaca Range that separates Napa Valley and the Sacramento Valley. Atlas Peak is the most prominent peak in the area at 2663 feet elevation. Atlas Peak is the most southern link in Napa Valley’s Vaca chain and it is one of the more mean-looking mountains in the region. Though it is closer to the San Pablo Bay and therefore slightly cooler, it receives some of the lowest rainfall in Napa Valley, which is evident in its overly dry landscape. Viticulture has a long history here but remains a minority presence. Despite large vineyards such as Antica and Stagecoach, Atlas Peak is primarily dedicated to cattle and other agricultural pursuits. The westward orientation of most vineyards on the Vaca Mountains also extends the amount of direct sunlight on the grapes. The soil of this AVA is volcanic and very porous which allows it to cool down quickly despite the increased sunlight. The area has a fairly significant diurnal temperature variation upwards of 30 °F (17 °C) between daytime and night. This contributes to the balance of acidity that grapes from Atlas Peak vineyards are known to have.
Atlas Peak is one of Napa Valley's mountain appellations that sit above the morning fog layer. The small difference in elevation makes it a prime spot for bold red wine varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and even Sangiovese. What's unique about the wines from Atlas Peak is the delivery of ripe dark fruit flavors that are contrasted by bold tannins and subtle umami notes. The savory quality you taste in Atlas Peak is especially prominent in the vineyards with reddish soils.
The elevation of Atlas Peak creates UV exposure, which increases by nearly 5% at around 1600 feet. Exposure is also increased for every vineyard sitting above the fog layer (at 1500 feet). These features increase polyphenol development which increases color and texture in the wines.
Rocky, well-drained soils are known to produce wines with increased aromatics, including floral aromas in red wines. There is a range of volcanic features on Atlas Peak which include white volcanic ash soils, rusty red soils, and black gravelly basalt. Each of these soil types brings about a unique taste of minerality in the wines from savory umami notes to saltiness.
