[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.