Atalon Winery announced the appointment of Brian Kosi as winemaker. Kosi has worked extensively with Cabernet Sauvignon from many prestigious Napa Valley regions, including Howell Mountain, Mount Veeder, Oakville and Rutherford. He brings 11 years of experience to Atalon.

"Our goal is to capture the complexity of the Napa Valley by sourcing grapes from diverse vineyard sites,” said Ed Farver, general managerfor the Calistoga-based winery. “Brian understands the nuances of each of these locations, and he knows how to layer flavors, structure and intensity.”

A graduate of the University of California-Davis, Kosi’s career includes positions at Acacia Vineyard, Opus One, Plumpjack Winery, Beaulieu Vineyard and Freemark Abbey. Winemaking is also part of his family history: Kosi’s grandparents owned a vineyard and winery in Slovenia prior to World War II, and his relatives still make wine there today.

Kosi’s first vintage for the Atalon label is the 2009 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, which was released this month.