ExpressionsofPlace HALL 2023 v12 spreads - Flipbook - Page 13
APPELLATION WINES
MOUNT VEEDER
DIAMOND MOUNTAIN
DISTRICT
AT A GLANCE
HOWELL MOUNTAIN
STAGS LEAP
DISTRICT
Elevation
500–2600 feet;
Mountain
400–2200 feet;
Mountain
1400–2200 feet;
Mountain
400 feet;
Valley floor and foothills
Location
Perched in the southern
slopes of the Mayacamas
Mountains above the
fog line.
Nestled in the
Mayacamas Mountains in
the northwestern corner of
Napa Valley with only 500
planted acres.
Northeast of St. Helena on
the northern ridges of the
Vaca Mountain range in
Napa Valley.
Six miles north of the
city of Napa between
the Stags Leap Palisades
rock formation and the
Napa River.
Temperatures
The coolest of the
Napa Valley mountain
appellations. Roughly ten
degrees cooler than the
valley floor.
The more northern location
of Diamond Mountain is
slightly warmer than other
regions due to its distance
from marine influence.
This appellation is warmer
due to its northern location,
and drier due to its location
on the eastern hills.
Evening marine breezes
usher in lower temperatures
juxtaposed against warmer
days due to the reflection of
the sun on the Palisades.
Key Takeaway
The cooler temperatures
bestow a distinctive
delicacy and a touch of
elevated acidity promising
exceptional longevity.
This wine possess lower
acidity but retains a rich
tannic mountain structure
reminiscent of dark
chocolate.
Rocky, nutrient-poor
soils produce wines
celebrated for their
exceptional intensity,
depth, and strength.
The diurnal rhythm of warm
days and cool nights give
the wine a burst of energy
and fruit concentration.
Flavors &
Aromas
Wild berry, licorice, and
cedary oak
Blueberry, spice,
coffee, and earth
Blackberry, cocoa, and
crushed rock
Ripe cherry, plum, and anise
Soil Type
Shallow, sedimentary
sandy loam soils derived
from ancient seabed
deposits create challenging
conditions for berries.
Composed of red volcanic
soils and compressed
ash. Diamond Mountain’s
name is derived from the
abundant deposits of
obsidian and volcanic glass
that make the soil sparkle.
Soils of decomposed
volcanic ash, or tuff, and red
clay due to its proximity to
a dormant volcanic field.
Alluvial soils were created
from erosion of the volcanic
eastern hillsides, while
the soils on the slopes are
volcanic in nature.
22 |
| 23