Nestled high upon Atlas Peak, in the eastern mountains of the Napa Valley lies a majestic property, owned by one of the "royal families" of winemaking; this property is Antica. The name Antica is a combination of the last name Antinori and California, and represents the Antinori family's longstanding desire to craft exceptional estate wines that are a true expression of Napa Valley terroir.
The Antinori family's winemaking history has been synonymous with the famed wine growing regions of Tuscany and Umbria since its inception more than 600 years ago. The Antinori think beyond a single vintage, and instead, think long term when making decisions that will impact the finished wines. Marchese Piero Antinori first visited and fell in love with Napa Valley in 1966, after which he dreamt of producing an Antinori Napa Valley wine. In the mid-1980s, the opportunity presented itself; a 1,200-acre estate on a high plain, in the eastern mountains of Napa Valley. Antinori knew that the property's Atlas Peak location had great potential for growing quality wine grapes, so the family took part in developing the property.
Situated above the fog line, the Antica estate offers a mix of steep, rocky soils in its higher elevations and loamy, well-drained soils in the lower ones. There are more than 50 blocks within the estate, a true patchwork quilt that takes advantage of the variations in soil, elevation, and exposure to best match varietal, rootstock, and clone to attain the ideal expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. The high altitude (1,800 feet) means cooler daytime temperatures, which provides a long growing season, and gives the grapes complexity, enhanced textures, and dark colors. The steep, rocky and well-drained soils result into low yields (three pounds) per vine, but the fully ripened grapes show great structure with concentrated fruit, and focused and persistent flavors. Tannins are ripe, balanced, and integrated.
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS - "Composed of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Mountain Select sails out of the glass with vibrant scents of freshly crushed blueberries, black raspberries and ripe blackcurrants with hints of dried mint, violets, pencil lead and iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, the palate shimmers with gorgeous energy, featuring and a lively backbone cutting through the tightly wound black fruit layers and grainy tannins, finishing with a minty lift."
JEB DUNNUCK 92 POINTS - "Moving to the two reds, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Mountain Select checks in s 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Revealing a deep ruby/purple color as well as a classic Cabernet nose of red and black currants, green tobacco, cedarwood, and Asian spices, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, elegant texture, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. This is a complex, satisfying, impeccably made Cabernet Sauvignon to enjoy over the coming 10-15 years."
WINE SPECTATOR 92 POINTS - "Dark and winey but with a solid racy edge, as graphite and iron notes guide the core of black currant and black cherry preserves along. Shows a subtle alder hint that curls around the finish, as the fruit shows a nice finishing kick. Drink now through 2032. 8,416 cases made."
The Antinori family's winemaking history has been synonymous with the famed wine growing regions of Tuscany and Umbria since its inception more than 600 years ago. The Antinori think beyond a single vintage, and instead, think long term when making decisions that will impact the finished wines. Marchese Piero Antinori first visited and fell in love with Napa Valley in 1966, after which he dreamt of producing an Antinori Napa Valley wine. In the mid-1980s, the opportunity presented itself; a 1,200-acre estate on a high plain, in the eastern mountains of Napa Valley. Antinori knew that the property's Atlas Peak location had great potential for growing quality wine grapes, so the family took part in developing the property.
Situated above the fog line, the Antica estate offers a mix of steep, rocky soils in its higher elevations and loamy, well-drained soils in the lower ones. There are more than 50 blocks within the estate, a true patchwork quilt that takes advantage of the variations in soil, elevation, and exposure to best match varietal, rootstock, and clone to attain the ideal expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. The high altitude (1,800 feet) means cooler daytime temperatures, which provides a long growing season, and gives the grapes complexity, enhanced textures, and dark colors. The steep, rocky and well-drained soils result into low yields (three pounds) per vine, but the fully ripened grapes show great structure with concentrated fruit, and focused and persistent flavors. Tannins are ripe, balanced, and integrated.
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 93 POINTS - "Composed of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Mountain Select sails out of the glass with vibrant scents of freshly crushed blueberries, black raspberries and ripe blackcurrants with hints of dried mint, violets, pencil lead and iron ore. Medium to full-bodied, the palate shimmers with gorgeous energy, featuring and a lively backbone cutting through the tightly wound black fruit layers and grainy tannins, finishing with a minty lift."
JEB DUNNUCK 92 POINTS - "Moving to the two reds, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Mountain Select checks in s 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc. Revealing a deep ruby/purple color as well as a classic Cabernet nose of red and black currants, green tobacco, cedarwood, and Asian spices, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless, elegant texture, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. This is a complex, satisfying, impeccably made Cabernet Sauvignon to enjoy over the coming 10-15 years."
WINE SPECTATOR 92 POINTS - "Dark and winey but with a solid racy edge, as graphite and iron notes guide the core of black currant and black cherry preserves along. Shows a subtle alder hint that curls around the finish, as the fruit shows a nice finishing kick. Drink now through 2032. 8,416 cases made."
