[blue_large]Chiles Valley AVA[/blue_large]
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Year established | 1992 |
Climate | Fairly warmer summer days (mid-80°F plus/28.8 to 31°C), but due to higher elevation and summer fog at night, quite chilly at night (below 50°F/10°C). With colder winters and spring, as well as strong winds, harvest comes later than on valley floor at Oakville. |
Elevation | 800 to 1300 ft. (242 to 394m). |
Rainfall | 35 inches (88cm) annually. |
Soils | On the valley floor, primarily alluvial soils with silty-clay composition of marine origin, with good fertility. Hillsides show more clay-loam and stony-clay composition, mostly marine in origin, with some volcanic outcropping, and less fertility. |
Total Area | 11,000 acres (45 km2) |
Size of planted vineyards | 1,500 acres (6 km2) |
Varietals/characteristics | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc: Cabernets usually reveal a lush yet firm texture with good acidity, firm tannin and distinctive cherry-blackberry flavors. Merlot typically has vibrant black cherry flavors mixed with a touch of cocoa. |