Wines of United States - North Coast California - Napa Valley

Napa Valley

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1) Rutherford

Soil: Gravelly loam & well-drained benchlands at the foot of the Mayacamas Mountains. Richer soil near Napa River.

Important Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Style: Sumptuous wines of great profundity & longevity

Remarks: Highly sought after & expensive

2) St. Helena

Geography & Cimate: Immediately north of Rutherford. Slightly warmer.

Important Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Style: Striking elegance as well as richness

3) Oakville

Climate: Slightly fresher than the farther north (the previous two AVAs)

Important Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay

Wine Style: Cabernet shows more spice, if less power, than that from Rutherford.

Remarks: Vineyards of Mondavi / Rothschild joint venture, Opus One, are planted here.

4) Yountville

Geography & Climate: Most southerly Red wine AVA of the region. Distinctly cooler.

Soil: Well-drained loam

Important Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Style: Muscular Bordeaux-style reds

5) Stags Leap District

Climate: Wind that funnels in cool air from San Pablo Bay during the afternoon prevents the vines from becoming too hot & baked

Soil: Reddish in colour, with volcanic subsoil on the slopes

Important Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Style: Elegant, supple, have structure to age well

6) Howell Mountain & Atlas Peak

Climate: Mesoclimate differed from the valley floor because of the elevation <1,000-2,000ft> & above the fog line. Altitude gives cooler nighttime temperatures.

Important Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel

Wine Style: Big, brawny. May lack elegance but powerful & intense.

7) Mount Veeder

Geography & Climate: Similar elevation & fog-free conditions.

Important Grape(s): Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay

Wine Style: Reds can be burly & tannic. Cabernet shows more spice, if less power, than that from Rutherford.

Remarks: Vineyards of Mondavi / Rothschild joint venture, Opus One, are planted here.

8) Spring Mountain

Geography & Soils: Located up in the Mayacamas Mountains. Eroded volcanic soils.

Important Grape(s): Similar to Mount Veeder

Wine Style: Slightly more supple than Mount Veeder

9) Carneros

Geography & Climate: Close to San Pablo Bay, comprise Napa's most southerly winegrowing area. Far cooler than the valley floor due to the proximity to Pacific breezes & fog.

Important Grape(s): Chardonnay & Pinot Noir

Wine Style: Still & sparkling.