Why is carneros unique

Although we won't harvest our first grapes from Entre Amis until the vintage, Pinot Noir winemaker TJ is very excited about this site's potential, thanks to its Western sun exposure and light, gravelly soil. Tula Vista features a unique combination of heavy clay soils, both West and Northern exposure, and slopes facing the windy Petaluma Gap, which funnels a consistent breeze onto the vines. We quickly concurred with our vineyard manager Alberto that this was an ideal site for both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and it has thus far produced fantastic vintages of California Chardonnay with bright flavors and fresh acidity.

We leased it from Al and Matilda Stornetta in ; they were both in their 90s and going strong. When we added this vineyard to our small coterie, our still Pinot Noir wines were gaining great popularity and it was planted predominately, but not exclusively, for these wines. Domaine Carneros purchased this vineyard in This is our smallest vineyard. Rooms fill up quickly, so view our online room availability to book your trip today. View Room Availability. Recent Posts. Site Navigation.

Email Newsletter. Copyright Candlelight Inn Napa Valley. Website Developed by Logan Marketing. Our Inn. Our Inn Photo Gallery F. But, while the ocean is a factor for Carneros, San Pablo Bay is a more direct influence. The southernmost portion Sonoma-side Carneros is even closer to the bay, roughly a mile. Afternoon breezes coming off the bay are cool and often quite strong.

Daytime temperatures rarely break 80 degrees. Only four or five of those inches come during the growing season, mostly during spring. Since there is minimal risk of significant, late-season rain and, because of the cool temperatures, little risk of excess sugar accumulation, the growing season can run late into the year. With the slow, even ripening , color, tannins, and fruit flavors can be well-developed while plenty of acidity remains.

Carneros AVA soils are primarily clay. Carneros was under water. So the topsoils are derived from material carried downstream by the Napa River, erosion from hills, and accumulations from the bay. There is variation in soil from place to place within the AVA, but the predominant soil is called Haire-Coombs. Beneath the topsoil, the clay has been compressed into a thick, impenetrable hard pan. Think of it as concrete. On slopes, the rainwater drains through the shallow topsoil and then runs downhill.

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