WA96 Deep garnet-purple in color, the Au Sommet 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon gives up exuberant crushed blackcurrants, warm plums, wild blueberries and cloves with suggestions of violets, tilled black soil, tar, chargrill and cedar chest with a waft of unsmoked cigars. The palate is full-bodied, firm, grainy and refreshing with incredible intensity, finishing very long and earthy.
In 2007, Heidi partnered with long-time friend John Schwartz to create Au Sommet, a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from mountain vineyards on Atlas Peak. Unlike the Napa Valley floor, which is often covered in morning fog, the mountain vineyard is exposed to more sun during the growing season.
Refreshing mountain breezes cool the hot summer days, protecting the fruit from overheating. The nights are much cooler than other areas and can sometimes experience a 20-degree drop in temperature. These cool nights allow for slower maturation of the fruit, resulting in well-balanced, complex wine. The shallow volcanic soils limit vine growth, producing small amounts of fruit with exceptional, intense varietal character.