Howell
Mountain AVA
Climate: Similar to the facing Spring Mountain AVA, however slightly warmer and
dryer overall due to strong afternoon sun influence. Fairly cool nights in both
ranges and higher elevations help maintain good acidity.
Elevation: 600 to 2200 ft (184 to 675m)
Rainfall: 40 to 50 inches (125cm) annually
Soils: Predominantly volcanic, shallow and infertile. Drainage is high, fertility
low.
Principal varieties & characteristics: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel: Powerful, firm, blackberry-currant flavors and often richly tannic, with excellent acidity for aging. Chardonnay, Viognier: Sinewy, firm and not as fruity as those of the valley floor, revealing more citrus and stone fruit flavors.
Los Carneros AVA
Climate: Cool, with prevailing marine winds from the San Pablo
Bay and through the Petaluma Gap to the west. High temperatures
during summer rarely exceed 80°F (27°C) with less diurnal
range variation.
Elevation: 15 to 400 ft. (4.6 to124 m)
Rainfall: Lowest in Napa Valley: 18 to 24 inches (7.2 to 9.6 cm)
annually
Soils: Clay dominated, very shallow in general, with more loam
and hillside alluvials in the northern section. Yields typically
are restrained by the hard claypan subsoil, which prevents deep-rooting.
Principal varieties & characteristics:
Chardonnay: minerally pear-apple and spice flavors.
Merlot: sinewy and lightly herbal, with fine tannins and sleek
structure.
Pinot Noir: ripe cherry-cinnamon spice flavors with earthy notes.
Mount Veeder AVA
Climate: Cool to moderate, with most vineyards above the fog-line,
meaning warmer nights and cooler days and less diurnal range
than the valley floor. Typical mid-summer high temperatures about
85°F (30°C).
Elevation: 600 to 2100 ft. (183 to 650m)
Rainfall: 35 inches (87.5cm) annually
Soils: Sedimentary based, former seabed, shallow and generally
well drained, as well as more acidic, with low fertility. Most
have a sandy or sandy-loam texture.
Principal varieties & characteristics:
Ageability is a hallmark of Mt. Veeder wines.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel: Low yields give red wines
a firm, tannic structure with strong earth-berry aromas and rich,
but powerful flavors.
Chardonnay: minerally, appley, even citrus flavors with good acidity.
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