[blue_large]St. Helena AVA[/blue_large]
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Year established | 1992 |
Climate | Warm, due to greater protection from western hills, with less fog or wind incursions. The narrowing of the valley floor provides more heat reflection off the hillsides. Mid-summer temperature peak is often in the mid- to high-90°F range (34 to 35°C). |
Elevation | 150 to 600 ft. (46 to 185m). |
Rainfall | 38 to 40 inches (95 to 100cm) annually. |
Soils | South and west borders are more sedimentary, gravel-clay soils, with lower fertility and moderate water retention. Further north and to the east soils are prevalently volcanic in origin and are deeper and more fertile. |
Total Area | 11,000 acres (45 km2) |
Size of planted vineyards | 1,500 acres (6 km2) |
Varietals/characteristics | Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot: deep, ripe, often jammy flavors, with firm tannins for structure, and appealing aromas of currant and black fruit. Rhone varieties (Syrah, Viognier): Fleshy, supple and slightly earthy. Zinfandel: Blackberry-like, well-structured. |