atLarge Amber Knolls Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Red Hills Lake County 2019

We are so excited to share with you this hot-off-the-press project that marries two of ACME’s passions: honoring Napa legends and launching new brands. Andy Beckstoffer, at 76, is undeniably a living legend here in the Napa Valley. He owns what is rightfully considered the crème de la crème of Napa vineyards, including To Kalon, Dr. Crane, Georges III, and Las Piedras. He is also a very shrewd businessman: not only does he carefully select who buys fruit from his vineyards, he requires them to put the Beckstoffer name on the label. He was also the first to charge winemakers for fruit based on their revenue per bottle. It’s paid off- wines from his vineyards have scored more 100-point wines than anyone else. So, what in the world is Andy Beckstoffer doing giving away fruit?

Lake County lies just to the north of Napa, its more famous neighbor, beyond Calistoga and over the top of Mount St. Helena. High-quality grapes have long been grown here, and Andy has realized the region’s potential back in 1997, purchasing the 1,200-acre Amber Knolls Vineyard in the Red Hills AVA.  And he so believes in his land and promoting its attributes, that he offered top winemakers an acre of fruit for free for three years. They could pick any block but must apply and send a cover letter expressing their passion and vision. So, when plucky Holly Emerson got wind of this, she decided it would be the perfect next opportunity for her winemaker husband Keith (Emerson Brown, Vineyard 29).  He, too, thought it was an excellent idea but was far too busy even to throw his name in the hat.  Holly respected his decision and submitted him anyway.  Well, he was the first person selected!  He once again declined, and she once again said, “He’s in!” But they both agreed it didn’t fit with the Emerson Brown portfolio.  So, Holly teamed up with her best friend in Texas to create a new, fun wine label.  Her friend is a wine broker married to a Master Sommelier.  And Holly is a wine salesperson married to a winemaker.  How could they say no to this?! (Despite Keith trying to say no several times).

With that, atLarge was born!  Well, sort of.  They had to bottle 2016 without a label because it turns out naming a wine is really hard.  Thankfully, they were at an event and sitting at a bar with the brilliant writer Kelli White one evening.  Keith and Holly couldn’t come up with anything in two years, and Kelli proceeded to write down a handful of great names on a cocktail napkin in 10 minutes.  atLarge was perfect.  Beauty that is yet to be discovered.  Yet to be captured.  Just like the property in Lake County.

So, here they are five years later.  They now buy the fruit because they are so in love with it and working with the Beckstoffer team. 2019 is just being released - ACME and wine critic Antonio Galloni were the first to taste it.  In California, the Emersons just sell it themselves to their friends.  And, of course, it is made at Vineyard 29 by Keith Emerson who, despite initial frustration with Holly, now absolutely loves this project.

This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for 20 months in French oak barrels of which 60% were new. Explosive aromas of violets, dark chocolate and cassis are accompanied by slight hints of dried lavender and wild lilacs, all leading to a rich and concentrated entry.  The mid-plate is round and full, striking the perfect balance of weight and freshness.  Layers of graphite and lush blue and black fruits are structured within fine-grained tannins, velvety texture, and balanced acidity – all of which lead to a seemingly endless finish.