Atlas Peak

Today, we are headed to one of the least accessible American Viticultural Areas (AVA) in Napa Valley, that of Atlas Peak. Coming in from Sacramento, we passed Lake Berryessa to our north, continuing on to Silverado Trail, one of the two main north-south (mostly) thoroughfares in the valley where we headed south and slightly east before making the sharp left turn onto Soda Canyon road. Rising above to the north is the highest peak in Napa County, Atlas Peak, the namesake of this AVA.

At its high elevation, Atlas Peak has among the coolest nights of all parts of Napa Valley, but particularly for the south and southwesterly facing slopes of the Peak, summer days can be quite hot often reaching summer temperatures that would make winemakers in much of the world cringe. These temperature differences create wines with frequently racy acidity making them quite ageworthy, and sadly, often quite expensive.

Once an active volcano, the mountain spewed layers and layers of what is now volcanic ash into the soil. The natural munerality in the soil adds significantly to the richness of the wines from the top of Napa Valley. It's also extremely porous which allows it to cool quickly after the hot summer afternoons. But, on the slopes of the mountain, as we might expect, the soil is somewhat barren, often windblown and grasses and other greenery grow sparsely. So, somewhat uniquely to Atlas Peak, we have a terroir that is at the same time both nice and comforting for the grapes grown there yet highly stressful.

Far more than any others, red "Bordeaux" varietals are grown on Atlas Peak. While the cool nights would be wonderful for the likes of Pinot Noir, it's far too finicky to withstand the steep slops, hot summer days, and barren soil. Characteristics of Atlas Peak wines are the sweet tobacco, black cherry cola, figs, chocolate, and a bit of cedar. These wines are usually extremely ageworthy, but are often not approachable in their youth.

Sadly, during 2020, Atlaa Peak was ravaged by the Hennessey Fire and was evacuated. Both structures and some vineyards were lost in this area that is quite inaccessible even for the local firefighters accustomed to dealing with the quirks of Napa Valley and its vineyards. So, the future of much of the AVA is uncertain as we enter 2021.


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