|
The Mount Veeder AVA is located in the south-western hills of California's most famous wine region, the Napa Valley. The Mount Veeder after which the AVA is 2700ft (825m) peak which marks the county line between Napa and Sonoma counties. The appellation's highest vineyards lie on a south-west-facing slope just below the summit, and stretch up to 2630ft (800m).
Located just 5 miles (8km) north-west of Sonoma town, and just half that distance again from Napa town, Mount Veeder lies equidistant from the two valleys which are arguably the most important in all of the United States.
Despite its small size (25 square miles), this elevated, sun-drenched area has won worldwide acclaim for its Cabernet Sauvignon wines, attracting significant interest and investment from both established wineries and newer, smaller operations. There are now over a hundred wines which bear the Mount Veeder name. These are made from more than just from the much-prized Cabernet Sauvignon, however; its Bordeaux stablemate Merlot is not hard to find in Mount Veeder vine rows, and even Cabernet Franc and Malbec have a respectable representation here.
Most Mount Veeder reds, irrespective of their varietal make-up tend towards a concentrated, fruit-driven character, often combined with robust tannins and the hint of rustic charm brought about by the high summertime temperatures.
Warm days accompanied by brisk afternoon winds result in moderate overall temperatures and a long growing season. Zinfandel and Merlot also thrive in these conditions. In addition, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and the Rhone varieties Syrah and Viognier have been producing some excellent wines in Mount Veeder vineyards.
Mayacamas Vineyards, named after the Mayacamas Mountains range of which Mount Veeder is just one small part, figures among the better-known wineries based in the AVA, although at present most of their wine bears the Napa Valley appellation. Donald Hess' 'Hess Collection' winery (the erstwhile Christian Brothers vineyard) is also a significant figure in the Mount Veeder wine community.
|