Rutherford Hill Winery, located in the famed Rutherford appellation of Napa Valley, has a history rooted in a pioneering vision. When it was founded in 1972, the winemakers recognized the Napa Valley's potential to produce world-class Merlot, much like the great wines of Bordeaux's Right Bank. This insight led them to focus on Merlot as their flagship wine, a bold move at a time when Cabernet Sauvignon was the undisputed king of Napa.

The brand's philosophy is built on a deep understanding of its terroir. The winery is situated on a scenic hilltop overlooking the "Rutherford Bench," and it sources grapes from a variety of distinct vineyard sites across Napa Valley. The "Atlas Peak" designation on the Merlot bottle refers to the specific appellation where the grapes were grown. Atlas Peak is a high-elevation, mountainous sub-region of Napa Valley, known for its cooler temperatures and volcanic soils. These conditions produce grapes that yield wines with a more structured and complex character, often with firm tannins and a savory, earthy quality.