AUTUMN MOON CELLARS

Great wines are a reflection of their terroir - the combination of soil, drainage, sun exposure and other aspects of microclimate and geographic location which contribute to making each vineyard site unique.  Each of the vineyards described below exhibit their own unique characteristics that have been translated into our wines.

Diamond Mountain, Calistoga, Napa Valley

The vineyard is located on the top of Diamond Mountain, which rises 2,100 feet above the Napa Valley.  The picturesque vineyard is located within a fir and hardwood forest on a northeastern slope.  Mornings are typically fog free and cool while winds from the Northwest continue to cool the vineyard throughout the day, allowing the grapes to ripen slowly. This vineyard combines shallow, well-drained volcanic soils and a long cool growing season.  The berries tend to be small, concentrated and intense. 

The Diamond Mountain District has long been cherished for its ability to produce concentrated, powerful and long-lived wines.  The red volcanic rock and ash soil stress the vines, resulting in smaller fruit laden with black cherry and currant flavors.  Typical characteristics of Diamond Mountain wines are black fruit, cedar, anise, mineral, cassis and spice. 

McCall Vineyard, Carneros, Napa Valley

The Carneros appellation is widely recognized as one of the finest Chardonnay grape growing regions in the world.  Cool morning fogs from the San Pablo Bay and the Pacific Ocean, combine with cool afternoon winds to make this one of the coolest grape-growing regions with one of the longest growing seasons in California.  Carneros is further defined by shallow, dense and relatively infertile soil and an average annual rainfall of only 22 inches.

The long, cool growing season results in an extended hang time that allows the fruit to mature evenly and develop fully in advance of excess sugar development. This results in wines layered with fruit complexity. The shallow, dense soils and low rainfall create an environment in which the vines must struggle for water and nourishment, markedly reducing crop vigor and yield. The result is incredibly concentrated fruit, balanced in color, flavor and acidity.

The recognizable terroir flavors for Carneros Chardonnay are citrus, green apple, pear and muscat.

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