Rutherford AVA lies in the northern part of the Napa Valley and is a warm and dry region with plenty of sunshine. Being further north means the region is less affected by the cooling winds and fog generated from San Pablo Bay.
Rutherford is arguably the most internationally celebrated Napa Valley AVA, well known for producing red wines of the highest quality. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted grape. The warmer climate here encourages earthy flavors and riper tannins in Cabernet that with time can result in magnificent wines.
Deep well drained, sandy loam soils throughout the region also suit the other traditional red Bordeaux varietals of Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
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