Mount Veeder

Bordering Los Carneros and almost directly to the north, what a difference a few miles makes. Today, we are in the Mount Veeder American Viticultural Area (AVA). The ride here takes only 15 minutes and if there were a raod that would take us directly, it might be only 5, but the terrain. climate, soil, and virtually everything else about Mount Veeder makes it unique.

Likely the single most unique thing about Mount Veeder AVA among the Napa Valley appelations is the slope of the hillsides. When we visit the other mountain AVAs within the broader Napa Valley AVA, we see some pretty steep slopes that grapes are growing on -- 10 degree grades, 15 degree grades. In the Mount Veeder AVA, that would be looked at as perfectly flat. And, that is what makes Mount Veeder different. The typical 30 degree grades make access difficult.

When we think about what a 30 degree slope really means, consider what it is like to get mechanical equipment into the vineyards. For the most part, it's just not happening. So, when a Mount Veeder AVA winery tells you the wines are hand-crafted, they are likely not messing around.

Mount Veeder like most of the mountains of the area was once a volcano and the soil reflects it. But on the nearly 30 degree grade where most of the grapes are grown, that soil is, of course, extremely thin. And, the steepness of the hillside vineyards provides for both excellent drainiage and strikingly direct access of the sunlight.

The grapes that are grown here are primarily the typical warm weather reds -- the Bordeaux grapes, Durif (Petite Sirah), and Zinfandel -- as well as a fair amount of Zinfandel, and particularly close to Los Carneros, Chardonnay.

The wines here are exceptionally ageworthy, but often unapproachable young. As evidence, consider the 1971 Mayacamas Cabernet Sauvignon that was part of the 1976 Judgment of Paris competition set up by British wine journalist Stephen Spurrier. Only 5 years after vintage, the wines rated poorly among the esteemed group. Even 10 years later at a reenactment, they did not do well. But, in the 10 year anniversary tasting in 2006, Mayacamas ranked near the top. Wines that are in their prime 35 yearrs after harvest are unusual, to say the least.

Even the Chardonnay, quite uncharacteristically for American white wines is often quite ageworthy. And, in keeping with the need for natural production due to the unwieldy terrain, most wines here are made using very natural processes.

Purchase these wines only if you have patience. But, if you do, you will be rewarded.