Au Sommet (o-so-may)...To the top, the very highest point at which we excel at what we do!
The 2023 harvest in Napa Valley will go down as one of the best of the 21st century. Unlike the 2022 growing season which saw an erratic weather pattern with heat spikes during harvest, the 2023 vintage was a winemaker’s dream. Due to Au Sommet's elevation, the vineyards were able to soak in a mild, consistent, long growing season. This allowed for the phenolics and tannins to properly develop producing dark, small and concentrated berries. Higher-than-average rainfall allowed the vines to dig deeper into the volcanic soils providing the desired richness of minerality and earthiness to the fruit. You will definitely notice this is the purity of the wine.
ANTONIO GALLONI 96 POINTS - "The 2023 Au Sommet is fabulous. It's bright and aromatic, with lovely undertones of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, mint and sweet spice. Floral and mineral shadings build into a long finish shaped by filigreed tannins. It's an exquisite, nuanced Cabernet Sauvignon. Superb."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 95 POINTS - "Au Sommet's 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon offers up cherries, cherries and more cherries. Yes, there's some vanilla, too. It may be a bit too simple now, but while its approachability makes it tempting, try to hold off for five or more years. This medium- to full-bodied wine is framed by silky tannins, shows ample concentration and should be delicious down the road. This Heidi Barrett-made wine from high on Atlas Peak is a blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot."
The 2023 harvest in Napa Valley will go down as one of the best of the 21st century. Unlike the 2022 growing season which saw an erratic weather pattern with heat spikes during harvest, the 2023 vintage was a winemaker’s dream. Due to Au Sommet's elevation, the vineyards were able to soak in a mild, consistent, long growing season. This allowed for the phenolics and tannins to properly develop producing dark, small and concentrated berries. Higher-than-average rainfall allowed the vines to dig deeper into the volcanic soils providing the desired richness of minerality and earthiness to the fruit. You will definitely notice this is the purity of the wine.
ANTONIO GALLONI 96 POINTS - "The 2023 Au Sommet is fabulous. It's bright and aromatic, with lovely undertones of blue/purplish fruit, lavender, mint and sweet spice. Floral and mineral shadings build into a long finish shaped by filigreed tannins. It's an exquisite, nuanced Cabernet Sauvignon. Superb."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 95 POINTS - "Au Sommet's 2023 Cabernet Sauvignon offers up cherries, cherries and more cherries. Yes, there's some vanilla, too. It may be a bit too simple now, but while its approachability makes it tempting, try to hold off for five or more years. This medium- to full-bodied wine is framed by silky tannins, shows ample concentration and should be delicious down the road. This Heidi Barrett-made wine from high on Atlas Peak is a blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Petit Verdot."