![]() ![]() Flawless conditions ensued during flowering and fruit set which led to higher-than-average yields. ![]() Just before budbreak provided the necessary water for canopy development. The beginning of the year was notably dry however, well-timed rainfall The region is also famed for its gourmet food, showcased in the stalls of Oxbow Public Market in the city of Napa.The vineyards enjoyed idyllic growing conditions with consistent weather and milder temperatures in 2018. The fog doesn't reach the higher parts of the valley, however, leaving these to rely on the cooling effects of altitude to keep their vines in balance. Winery, offering summertime concerts and year-round tastings. Without this fog that comes rolling in from the bays, the valley's climate would be substantially warmer than it is, making it difficult to achieve structure and balance in the wines. The bay generates morning fog, and the hills channel it inland, up into the valley. The combined influences of San Pablo Bay and the hills of the North Coast Ranges are responsible for the valley's very particular Microclimate. Once upon a time, Riesling was the variety of choice but has now been replaced almost completely by Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.Ĭlimate, geology, and topography are three essential components in what makes Napa Valley such a first-rate viticultural area. White wines are strongly outnumbered here, but play a valuable supporting role, bringing an element of diversity to the valley. Hillside sites above the valley floor provide exactly the kind of warm, dry environment in which Zinfandel (California's signature variety) performs best, particularly on rocky, free-draining slopes. Although it represents only a small proportion of the valley's vineyard area here, Zinfandel remains significant in the Napa wine portfolio. Merlot is also prominent, although since its fall from favor in the 1990s it is now used mostly as a blending component for Napa's Meritage wines and Bordeaux blends. The notable exception to this rule is Carneros, whose cool, breezy mesoclimate is better suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Cabernet Sauvignon has risen confidently to become Napa's star performer, and is the most widely planted grape in almost all of the valley's sub-regions. The range of grape varieties grown in the Napa Valley has evolved steadily over the 150 years since Yount planted his first vines. Robert Mondavi, who established his winery in 1966, is considered to be one of the pioneers of Napa's modern wine industry, as well as being one of the first proponents of varietal labeling. 1875) is one of California's oldest continuously operated wineries and features on the the U.S. Also of note are the Beringer brothers Jacob and Frederick, whose Beringer Vineyards (est. Yount, and John Patchett and his winemaker Charles Krug, founder of the eponymous winery. The founding pioneers of Napa Valley winemaking were George C. Wine has been made in Napa Valley since the 19th Century, but it is only since the 1960s that wine of any particular quality has been produced. And no less important (even after almost four decades) is the triumph of Napa Valley wines over their rivals from Bordeaux and Burgundy in the 1976 Paris Judgement. This draws millions of wine tourists to the valley each year to sample its wines and world-class gastronomy. Then there is the region's accessibility from San Francisco. Most obvious is that the wines are produced to high standards, in a popular style, and are very well marketed. There are several reasons for Napa Valley's global renown as a wine region. When modern techniquesīenefit the winegrowing process, they are researched, evaluated and integrated In the vineyards, hand-harvesting and other traditionalĪpproaches are taken wherever they work best. These are complementedīy the combined 70 acres of the Ballestra and River parcels, which envelop the Two parcels, totaling 100Īcres, are within the renowned To Kalon Vineyard. The western portion of the famed Oakville AVA. The estate vineyards of Opus One, comprised of 4 parcels, sit in Subtleties of Opus One by honoring traditional methods and the continual Nearly four decades later, we continue to refine the complex When our foundersĬreated Opus One, they dreamed of a great wine that would transcend Shapes every vintage, today and for generations to come. Together, our founders set out to create a single wineĭedicated to the pursuit of uncompromising quality. Rothschild of Chateau Mouton Rothschild in Bordeaux and Napa Valley vintner Opus One is the realized dream of two men: Baron Philippe de Navigator Spirits, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey(0).Navigator Spirits, Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey(2017).Fratelli Vogadori Amarone della Valpolicella. ![]()
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