Seven Apart
Summary
Seven Apart is a boutique Napa Valley producer established in 2018, crafting limited-production Cabernet Sauvignon from their high-elevation Stags Ridge Vineyard on Atlas Peak, where volcanic soils and significant diurnal shifts create ideal growing conditions. Under winemaker Andy Erickson's guidance, the young winery has quickly gained recognition for its meticulous vineyard-to-bottle approach and mountain-influenced wines that showcase the concentrated flavors and structural intensity characteristic of their distinctive terroir.
Heritage & Leadership
Seven Apart was established in 2018 as a luxury wine producer in Napa Valley, California. The winery was founded by entrepreneur Don Dady with a clear vision to produce exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon from distinctive vineyard sites. The name "Seven Apart" draws inspiration from the steep, winding seven-mile stretch of road that leads to their Atlas Peak vineyard property.
The winemaking program was developed with Andy Erickson, a respected Napa Valley winemaker whose previous experience includes work with the prestigious Screaming Eagle winery. This collaboration brought significant winemaking expertise to the young venture, establishing a foundation of quality from the outset.
As a relatively new producer in the Napa Valley landscape, Seven Apart has quickly focused on developing a reputation for limited-production, high-end wines that showcase the distinctive character of their vineyard sources.
Vineyards & Wines
Seven Apart sources its fruit from vineyards in the Atlas Peak AVA of Napa Valley, with Stags Ridge Vineyard serving as a primary vineyard source. This mountain vineyard sits at approximately 1,400 feet elevation, providing the ideal growing conditions for their Cabernet Sauvignon. The volcanic soils characteristic of Atlas Peak contribute to the distinctive profile of the resulting wines, typically imparting structure and mineral complexity.
The high elevation of the Stags Ridge Vineyard creates a growing environment with significant diurnal temperature shifts, allowing for extended hang time and optimal phenolic development in the grapes. These conditions are particularly favorable for Cabernet Sauvignon, which forms the core of Seven Apart's wine portfolio.
The winery produces vineyard-designated Cabernet Sauvignon wines that express the unique characteristics of their mountain fruit sources. Production remains deliberately limited to maintain quality standards across their portfolio.
Philosophy & Practice
Seven Apart's winemaking approach centers on showcasing the distinctive character of their high-elevation vineyard sites. The production process begins with meticulous attention in the vineyard, including hand-harvesting and careful sorting of the fruit to ensure only the highest quality grapes are used in their wines.
In the cellar, the wines undergo aging in French oak barrels, a process that enhances complexity while allowing the vineyard character to remain prominent. This careful oak integration supports the structure of their Cabernet Sauvignon while adding subtle complexity to the finished wines.
As a producer focused on quality over quantity, Seven Apart maintains small production volumes that allow for detailed attention throughout the winemaking process. This limited-production model reflects their commitment to creating wines that authentically represent their Atlas Peak vineyard sources.