Description

Au Sommet Winery Overview

Nestled in the renowned Napa Valley on the picturesque Atlas Peak, Au Sommet is a distinguished winery known for its exquisite blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot. This winery represents a unique collaboration among three influential figures in the wine industry: winemaker Heidi Peterson Barrett, John Schwartz, and vineyard manager Jim Barbour.

History and Background

Founded on a partnership between wine experts, Au Sommet is driven by the expertise of Heidi Barrett, a celebrated winemaker famous for her nuanced approach, and the meticulous vineyard management of Jim Barbour. The winery benefits from the rich terroir and elevated location, which contributes to the distinctive character of its wines.

Vineyard Details and Wine Production

Situated on a seven-acre vineyard atop Atlas Peak, Au Sommet enjoys the advantages of a superb microclimate and soil composition ideal for cultivating premium Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot grapes. The winery skipped the production in 2017, 2018, and 2020 due to potential smoke taint from regional wildfires but made a strong comeback with its 2021 and 2022 vintages.

Notable Production Insights:

• Varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot blend.
• Vineyard Size: Seven acres.
• Unique Challenges: Overcoming environmental impacts like smoke taint.
• Recent Achievements: Successful vintages after a brief hiatus, maintaining the wine's quality and character.

Visitor Information and Experiences

Though details on visiting experiences were not specified, wineries like Au Sommet typically offer tastings and tours. Potential visitors should consider contacting the winery directly for the most current information regarding tours, tasting opportunities, and other visitor experiences.

Notable Wines or Specialties

Au Sommet is particularly celebrated for its 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, which has been highly praised by critics:

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2024 "This Atlas Peak-based project boasts Heidi Barrett as the winemaker... The 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon epitomizes Barrett's classic, balanced style, with subtle shadings of cedar and vanilla framing black cherries and cassis. It's medium to full-bodied, silky textured and long on the finish, a true thoroughbred that should drink well for 20 years or so."

This accolade highlights the wine's classic composition and promising longevity, making it a notable feature of Au Sommet's offerings.

Contact Information and Location

• Winery Name: Au Sommet
• Location: Atlas Peak, Napa Valley, California

For those interested in learning more about the winery or planning a visit, contacting Au Sommet directly will provide the most accurate and helpful information.

In conclusion, Au Sommet stands out in the Napa Valley wine scene for its focused production of high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot blends, the expertise of its founders, and its resilience in overcoming climatic challenges. Each bottle from Au Sommet promises a peek into the meticulous craft and heritage of Napa Valley winemaking.