Wow, this wine brought me home and back to my roots. A better example of classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon has not passed through these lips in a long time. I taste a lot of Cabernet Sauvignon and for a decade or so, the flavor profile has moved away from what some of us dinosaurs would call benchmark or traditional flavors. The wines have also mysteriously developed a lot darker color than they used to present. This winery has decided to sidestep the winemakers bag of tricks and it is all the better for it. Kudos to Atalon for keeping it real and delivering a wine that rings all the bells and whistles without manipulation. A full-hued plum colored wine that expresses aromas of dark berry fruit, fresh coffee beans and unsweetened dark chocolate. The flavors are classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon—smooth persistent currant, with a hint of licorice and milk chocolate. The tannins are well balanced and the lingering lengthy finish is plush. This wine is soft and plush enough to drink as a standalone sipper and will pair well with complex cuisine.

Rating: Excellent (91) | $35 | 14.6% ABV

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