Moon Mountain - Wine Region Of The Day

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Moon Mountain 

The Moon Mountain District Sonoma County is located on 17,000 acres in Sonoma, California and was designated as an AVA in 2013. Sitting in the high elevations above Los Carneros, the mountain has hills building upon themselves from 400 ft in elevation all the way to 2,200 feet above sea level. Being one of the most eastern points in the Sonoma Valley AVA, Moon Mountain shares a borderline with Napa Valley's Mt. Veeder AVA. The soil on Moon Mountain is volcanic in its origin and is well draining. The varying elevations mean the different pockets of terroir on the mountain vary from cool fog and winds off the San Pablo Bay and the Pacific Ocean to prolonged sun exposure in the higher elevations. The signature wines of the region are Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel.

Fun fact: This appellation got its name from a Jack London book, "Valley of the Moon". Residents couldn't understand why there was a valley but no mountain of the moon and petitioned the United States Geological Survey to designate one. After 57 years, it was designated in 2008. 

Ramona Valley - Wine Region Of The Day

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Ramona Valley 

Ramona Valley received its designation as an AVA in 2006. Situated across 89,000 acres, Ramona Valley is centered around the city of Ramona, located 28 miles north of the city of San Diego. The region's soils consist of clay and granite and are very well draining. Hot days and cool nights, influenced by the coastal marine layer and fog, contribute to conditions that produce quality wine grapes in the Ramona Valley. The area is a broad valley that is ringed by hills and mountains that isolate it from the surrounding areas. The valley has an average vineyard elevation of 1400 feet and an average annual rainfall of 16.5 inches. Ramona Valley is known for its production of Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel.

Mt. Harlan - Wine Region Of The Day

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Mt. Harlan 

Mt. Harlan received its designation as an AVA in 1990. Located in the Gabilan Mountain Range, Mt. Harlan is 7,440 acres large but there are only 100 acres under vine. The soil is made up of limestone, and the terrain of the growing terraces sits at an elevation of 1,880 feet above sea level. The elevation of the growing regions allow for plenty of daytime sun, but the vines are exposed to constant cold wind from the Pacific Ocean. The region is best known for its production of Chardonnay and Viognier, but lately it has started producing Pinot Noir as well.

Clarksburg - Wine Region Of The Day

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Clarksburg

Clarksburg received its designation as an AVA in 1984. Sitting on 64,640 acres, Clarksburg is located across Sacramento, Solano, and Yolo Counties. The soils of Clarksburg are dense clay and loam. With influences from both the San Francisco Bay to the west, and the Sacramento River, the climate of Clarksburg is cooler and more moderate than most of Sacramento. The region features heavy sun exposure with cooling effects from the river allowing for a longer growing season than most central valley AVAs. The longer growing season allows the fruit to develop a well-balanced acidity and tannin structure. The region is known for Petite Sirah and Chenin Blanc.

San Lucas - Wine Region Of The Day

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San Lucas

San Lucas received its designation as an AVA in 1987. Sitting on 33,920 acres, the region is a sub-appellation of Monterey. The soil of the region is shale and loam, situated on benches and terraces between 200 and 1,200 feet. San Lucas has one of the largest diurnal temperature swings in all of California, with thirty-degree fluctuations being common. The change in temperature makes for a longer growing season and gives the fruit extra time on the vine to ripen and balance its acidity. San Lucas is known for producing excellent Cabernet Sauvignon, along with Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Potter Valley - Wine Region Of The Day

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Potter Valley 

The Potter Valley AVA is located in northern Mendocino County, California around on town of Potter Valley. Potter Valley has extreme differences in temperature between the afternoon and evening, which makes Potter Valley unique from other growing areas in Mendocino. During the height of the growing season, the afternoons are hot and receive direct sunlight, but in the evening, the temperatures severely drop and cool off the valley. Due to the temperature variations, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling and, Pinot Noir do very well here.

Fort Ross - Seaview - Wine Region Of The Day

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Fort Ross - Seaview 

The Fort Ross - Seaview AVA is located on 27,500 acres in Sonoma, California. The region received its designation as an AVA in 2012, and as such is one of the newest AVAs in the state. The soils in the region are typically loamy, but range from rock and gravel to dense clay. The AVA permit limits vine growing to at least 920 feet above sea level. Given the elevation of the region and its proximity to the Pacific Ocean, there is an excellent blend of sunshine and cool ocean breezes which make this area ideal for growing cooler climate grapes such as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Calistoga - Wine Region Of The Day

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Calistoga 

Calistoga received its AVA status in 2010 and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA located on in the northern portion of the Napa Valley. Calistoga's soil is almost exclusively volcanic, providing a consistency throughout the region. The daily high temperatures up to 100 degrees and cool nightly breezes from the Russian River cause the highest diurnal temperature variation in the Napa Valley. This temperature fluctuation along with the volcanic soil creates wines with big bright flavors and deep complexity and well-balanced acid. The region is known for its Syrah, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Zinfandel.

Cucamonga Valley - Wine Region Of The Day

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Cucamonga Valley 

Cucamonga Valley received its designation as an AVA in 1985. Situated on 136,581 acres, Cucamonga Valley is centered around the city of Rancho Cucamonga. A pre-Prohibition leader in wine production, Rancho Cucamonga has seen its wine production limited by the eastern expansion of Los Angeles. The soils on the valley floor are sandy and alluvial in nature. The climate in Cucamonga Valley is hot with daytime temperatures reaching over 100 degrees in the height of the growing season. The high desert climate cools considerably at night, preventing the vines from ripening the fruit too quickly. The region is known for its old vine Zinfandel production.

Jahant - Wine Region Of The Day

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Jahant

Jahant received its designation as an AVA in 2006. Sitting on 28,000 acres, Jahant is a sub-appellation to the Lodi AVA. Jahant features it's own unique soil named the Rocklin-Jahant loam soil. Rocklin-Jahant soil is known for its retention of water, meaning that the grapes in this region can be dry farmed. Dry farming vines leads to less water making it into the grape itself, concentrating the fruit and leading to a deep, complex flavor. Jahant is located in close proximity to the Sacramento Delta and receives the benefits of the cooling maritime winds flowing off the Delta. These winds cool the hot daytime sun and allow for a longer growing season than much of the rest of Lodi. The region is known for its production of Tempranillo and Sauvignon Blanc.

Tracy Hills - Wine Region Of The Day

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Tracy Hills

Tracy Hills received its designation as an AVA in 2006. Situated on 39,200 acres, Tracy Hills is located between both San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties. The terrain in the region consists of rolling hills featuring free-draining alluvial and colluvial soils. Tracy Hills climate consists of constant winds, sunny days, and sparse morning fog, with occasional early morning frost. The region features Syrah, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Hames Valley - Wine Region Of The Day

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Hames Valley 

The Hames Valley received its designation as an AVA in 1994 and is situated on 10,240 acres in Monterey County in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range. The Hames Valley soil is shale and loam. The regions has the largest diurnal temperature swing of any AVA in Monterey County. The grapes are exposed to a great deal of sunlight during the day, and receive some of the cooling effects of the Pacific Ocean breezes in the evenings. The region is best known for producing Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Howell Mountain - Wine Region Of The Day

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Howell Mountain 

Howell Mountain received its designation as an AVA in 1983, and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. Howell Mountain is located on 14,000 acres in the Vaca Range on the northeast side of Napa Valley. Most vineyards on the Howell Mountain are planted between 1,400 feet and 2,200 feet placing them above the fog and cool winds from San Pablo Bay. The soil in the appellation is volcanic with good drainage, causing the vines to struggle and place all of their efforts into the fruit. The region is known for Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Grenache, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel.

Spring Mountain District - Wine Region Of The Day

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Spring Mountain

The Spring Mountain District gained AVA status in 1993, and is a sub-appellation of the Napa Valley AVA. Located on 8,600 acres, the appellation sits on steep terraces of the Mayacamas Mountains that separate Napa Valley from Sonoma Valley. Elevations on the mountain range from 400 feet to 2,600 feet above sea level. The region contains mostly residual upland soils with only a few areas of alluvial soils at the lower elevations. The soils are derived almost equally from sandstone and Sonoma volcanic formations which are predominately composed of Andesite. This mix of sedimentary and volcanic rocky soils distinguishes the region from adjacent mountain areas. Spring Mountain is the coldest appellation in the Napa Valley. In the height of growing season, strong cold winds and low lying fog permeates the region. The vast majority of the wine produced in the Spring Mountain District is Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Zinfandel.

Santa Cruz Mountains - Wine Region Of The Day

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Santa Cruz Mountains 

The Santa Cruz Mountains received their designation as an AVA in 1981. Situated across 322,000 acres, the Santa Cruz Mountains are located between San Francisco and Monterey and contains the sub-appellation Ben Lomond Mountain. Vines are planted at varying elevations throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains between 900 and 2,500 feet above sea level. Soils in the region vary, between clay and Franciscan shale; that is layered over bedrock made of decomposing limestone. The Santa Cruz Mountains feature many different microclimates across its differing terrain and elevations. Vines planted on western slopes take the brunt of Pacific Ocean wind and cold while inland east-facing slopes receive none of the harsh effects of the ocean and are considerably warmer. The cold climate and well-draining soils make the Santa Cruz Mountains a harsh growing area and the vines struggle as a result. This struggle leads to smaller yields of fruit, but a deep condensed flavor in the grapes. The most popular plantings in the Santa Cruz Mountains are Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir.

Dry Creek Valley - Wine Region Of The Day

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Dry Creek Valley

The Dry Creek Valley AVA is located on 9,000 acres in Sonoma County, California. Dry Creek received its designation as an AVA in 1983. The region is located northwest of the town of Healdsburg on Dry Creek, a tributary of the Russian River. The area's signature loamy soil is well drained and fertile dirt that produces good crops of flavorful grapes. The nearby coastal mountain range keeps cool marine temperatures at bay, allowing for daily high temperatures during the height of the growing season. The surrounding mountains provide a channel for the coastal breezes and fog to come in at night, dramatically dropping temperatures. The long, warm days allow the fruit to ripen fully while cool evenings enable the grapes to mature slowly and retain their acidity and balance. The region is perfectly suited to the production of Zinfandel and, as a result, Zinfandel grapes have been grown here for over 140 years. In addition to Zinfandel, the region has become quite famous for its world-class production of Sauvignon Blanc.

Shop Dry Creek Valley Wines In The Qorkz Marketplace

 
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2009 HUMANITAS 'GOOD EARTH' MALBEC SCHLUMBERGER BENCH

$ 40.00

Tasting Notes

There is a delightfully floral and chocolate truffle note in the nose – violets intertwined with a raspberry truffle. This translates beautifully into the flavor – chocolate and raspberry with a touch of all sorts of dark fruits such as blackberries, blueberries, and a few cherries thrown in for good measure. Wrap that all up in new car leather, a pinch of cocoa and pipe tobacco and you are golden. Spin some Argentine tango...

This exclusive wine is not available in stores and can only be shipped to Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming or anyone with a California based wine locker. 

Leona Valley - Wine Region Of The Day

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Leona Valley 

Leona Valley received its designation as an AVA in 2008. Located on 8,751 acres, Leona Valley is located in North Eastern Los Angeles County. Leona Valley features well draining nutrient rich alluvial soils. The Leona Valley is a high desert climate with hot days and cool evenings. The grapes receive daily sun during the height of the growing season, and the 2,700-foot elevation of the vineyards ensures a cool evening and a longer growing season. The region is known for its production of Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Malbec.

North Yuba - Wine Region Of The Day

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North Yuba 

North Yuba received its designation as an AVA in 1985. Situated on 22,548 acres, North Yuba is a sub-appellation of the larger Sierra Foothills AVA and is located in Yuba County. The vineyards in North Yuba typically sit at an elevation of 1,500 to 2,000 feet above sea level. The soil is largely volcanic in nature and well draining, forcing the vines to develop deep, sturdy roots. The vines typically produce a low yield of grapes, but the grapes produced are smaller in size with a more concentrated flavor. North Yuba is bathed in sunlight during the day, and the region is hot and dry in the daytime during the peak of the growing season. The nearby Sierra Nevada Mountains offer a cooling effect in the evening and can drop the evening temperatures by as much as 20 degrees. This diurnal temperature swing creates a longer growing season and allows the vines to produce grapes with balanced acidity. North Yuba is known for its old vine Zinfandel but also produces Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Grenache, Viognier, and Roussanne.

Consumnes River - Wine Region Of The Day

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Consumnes River 

Cosumnes River received its designation as an AVA in 2006. Sitting on 54,700 acres, Cosumnes is a sub-appellation of the Lodi AVA and is located across Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties. The soil is made up of alluvial fan deposits from the river. The region sits close to the Sacramento Delta and, as a result, Cosumnes River is cooler than most Lodi appellations. The climate features daytime sun with cool breezes and morning fog. Cold weather vines do well here, and the region is known for its Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay.

York Mountain - Wine Region Of The Day

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York Mountain 

York Mountain received its designation as an AVA in 1983. Sitting on 9,360 acres, York Mountain is part of the eastern Santa Lucia Mountain Range in San Luis Obispo County. Vineyards on York Mountain are at high elevation of around 1,500 feet. The soil is made up of chalky limestone and is considered to be not very fertile, which causes the vines to put all of their efforts into developing the fruit. The high elevation gives York Mountain extended hours of sunshine daily and the hot sun is tempered by cool coastal breezes. The mountain is known for producing complex and interesting red varietals, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Pinot Noir.