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Northern California
Lake County, Napa County, Sonoma County
Napa and Sonoma counties are renowned for high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and Lake County is an up-and-coming region. Here is where California’s best sun-loving varietals thrive and reach full maturity and complexity. All three appellations show wide diversity in climate and soil, so combining their fruit provides complex wines of notable interest.
Central Coast
San Luis Obispo County, Monterey County, Santa Barbara County
Chardonnay is a varietal that shows its provenance in flavor and style. This tri-county version is a great example, melding three distinct geographic areas—with climates ranging from cool to moderate—to showcase a winning combination. Santa Barbara County contributes pineapple and lemon meringue pie and Monterey County provides lemony citrus with crisp acidity. The San Luis Obispo (SLO) County portion is fleshy, with stone and tropical fruits. The Paso Robles area sits in northern SLO County where there is no maritime influence. The heat during the day fully ripens Merlot, enhances fruit flavors and color and the cool nights keep the acidity in check. |
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