Altamura Winery

Wooden Valley, Napa Valley

Frank Altamura's lifelong pursuit as a winemaker is fueled by his passion for viticulture. Born and raised in Napa Valley, Frank began working with his cousin, a vineyard manager, right out of high school and knew that this would be his life's calling. Formal viticultural training began at Sterling Vineyards in 1976 under the tutelage of Ric Forman where he began to explore what winemakers were looking for from the vineyard. This concept was further developed from the winemaker's perspective at Caymus with friends Chuck Wagner, Randy Dunn and mentor Charlie Wagner.

Altamura Vineyards and Winery, established in 1985, is the only winery located in Wooden Valley. Stags' Leap Winery, Pahlmeyer and Caymus purchase grapes from this area, yet Altamura is the first to capture Wooden's special characteristics in a bottling. Napa natives Frank and Karen Altamura have a decidedly hands-on approach to every step of the growing and winemaking process. Thus, a natural production limit is established and the wines reflect the Altamura's deep commitment to reflecting the terroir of their Wooden Valley Ranch.

Altamura has been quietly and consistently producing among the finest Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons and Sangiovese since 1993. An exacting, no compromise policy in the vineyard each year where up to half of the crop is dropped to the ground produces focused, concentrated fruit flavours and an enriched texture. Using only free run juice gives Altamura wines the purest expression of both the varietal and the vintage. It is a long term approach that Altamura fans can count on year after year.


Altamura Cab SauvCabernet Sauvignon 2004 Napa Valley
"I was blown away by the 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, which spent almost 34 months in 70% new French oak barrels. The wine is beautifully impressive, with a deep ruby/purple colour and notes of loamy soil intermixed with creme de cassis, cedar, and licorice. The wine is full-bodied, powerful, but beautifully nuanced and nicely structured, with sweet, silky tannins. This wine should evolve for at least 20 or more years. The good news is that there are about 3,800 cases of this superb Cabernet.

Altamura has been making wines for almost 20 years, and I certainly thought several of these wines were the best I ever had from them. They are located in Wooden Valley, which is mostly volcanic soils about nine miles northeast of Napa."
94 points, Robert Parker, December 2007

Altamura Cab SauvCabernet Sauvignon 2005 Napa Valley
The 2005 has yet to be rated by the esteemed press, but a similarly long and cool growing season has produced a wine every bit as exciting as the 2004 and we expect similar reviews for this vintage.
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All wines are available by the unmixed case to Licensees and Private Consumers, subject to availability.
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