Chiles Valley
Napa Valley
A small, elevated valley east of the main Napa floor, tucked between the Vaca Mountains. The cooler temperatures at this altitude suit Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, producing wines with a rusticity and spice that contrast with the valley floor style.
The wines of Chiles Valley are made primarily from Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and other Napa Valley varieties.
Vineyard Map
Climate
The elevated valley experiences significantly cooler temperatures than Napa Valley floor due to altitude and mountain air drainage, with greater diurnal temperature swings. Morning fog rarely penetrates this high elevation, creating longer sun exposure but with the cooling effect of mountain breezes.
Terroir
Chiles Valley sits atop Miocene-era volcanic bedrock from the Clear Lake Volcanics formation, with layers of rhyolitic and basaltic flows creating well-draining soils. The rocky volcanic substrate forces vine roots deep while maintaining excellent drainage, with fractured bedrock allowing good water penetration during winter months. The elevated valley floor contains alluvial deposits over the volcanic base, creating the characteristic rocky loam soils.
Typical Aromas
What it tastes like
Body
Big
Acidity
Gentle
Tannin
Grippy
Oak
Some oak
Ripeness
Rich
Concentration
Medium
Big and gentle, with grippy tannin, some oak and rich fruit; black fruit, red fruit and spice, with a taut finish.
black fruit · red fruit · spicy · herbal · stony
Cork's estimate.
Similar styles
Lands in the same glass.
Grapes of Napa Valley
Frequently Asked Questions
What grapes grow in Chiles Valley?▼
What soils are found in Chiles Valley?▼
Map data: TTB (Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau) · Imagery: Sentinel-2 cloudless by EOX IT Services GmbH (CC BY 4.0)