Mission Codename The Protégé
Today’s 93 point, Cellar Selection wine is the spectacular Trinchero 2011 Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon.
Today’s 93 point/Cellar Selection wine was made by Mario Monticelli who was the winemaking Protégé of one of the world’s greatest winemakers, Philippe Melka. Under Mr. Melka’s guidance, Mario made wines at some of California’s most prestigious wineries, including Quintessa, Hundred Acre, Vineyard 29, and Lail Vineyards.
Concentrated aromas waft from the glass, detectable while the glass is still on the table! Aromas of stewed plum, blackberry cobbler, milk chocolate, cassis, spice, subtle tar and a hint of red peppercorn.
On the palate, this wine is rich and dense with bold, concentrated flavors of Black cherry, blackberry pie, dark chocolate, black currant, dark cocoa, smoky cedar, grilled plum, pipe tobacco, dried summer forest floor, mixed spice and white pepper.
Don’t hesitate - because, at this price, this extraordinarily highly recommended wine is expected to sell out.
~
Here’s what the wine press has to say:
“Mario Montecello makes this wine from a six-acre vineyard on a rocky, west-facing slope above Napa Valley. The vines were planted in 1997 at an elevation of 1,500 feet, high enough to escape the fog, so they received plenty of sun in the cool 2011 vintage.
The fruit ripened to a luscious wash of black currant flavor, the wine structured by mountain-grown tannins that grip the silkiness of the fruit. It’s a youthful wine that vibrates with energy, heady with alcohol and the espresso-roast scent of new French oak, framing the juiciness of the fruit and sustaining its richness.” - 93 points - Wine & Spirits Magazine
~
“Black and thick, a study in smoky oak and tar, this intense vineyard-designated Cabernet will behave better over time. Brawny tannins surround substantial layers of blackberry and coffee, the feel on the palate weighty and voluptuous. Cellar through 2026.” - 90 points - Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast
~
“A chewy, gutsy style, for fans of gripping tannins. For all the muscle, this nevertheless features plenty of extracted dark berry, mocha, cedar and crushed rock nuances. Be patient. Best from 2015 through 2027” - CELLAR SELECTION - 90 points - Wine Spectator.
What the Winery Says
2011 Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon
- Winemaker
- Mario Monticelli
- Varietal
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Vintage
- 2011
- Appellation
- Napa Valley, atlas Peak
- Abv
- 14.7%
- ph
- 3.95
- TA
- 5.6 g/L
- Harvest Date
- October 21– November 2, 2011
- Aging
- 20 months
- Barrels
- 90% new French oak
- Release date
- October 2014
- Production
- 900 cases