Winery Article Section

This is a rather detailed article of the Oakville wine country in California and some of the wineries and vineyards that are located in this region. Unfortuantely it doesn't mention many specific wineries of the region, it gives some history and why this region's wines may stand out.

To the wine connoisseur, Oakville is synonymous with the
magnificence and the majesty of California Cabernet Sauvignon.
But for those of us who do not spend our waking hours tasting
wine and researching viticulture philosophies, Oakville is just
another region in the Napa Valley. To the untrained eye,
Oakville is a sleepy town on Highway 29, but it has become
California's epicenter for Cabernet production.

H. W. Crabb first broke ground in Oakville in the middle of the
nineteenth century. His To Kalon Vineyard marked the launching
point of a storied winemaking history in Oakville, involving
battles with Phylloxera and Prohibition; and its ultimate rise
to excellence.

Phylloxera (pronounced: Phil - ox - erra) is an aphid like
insect that lives its parasitic lifecycle on the rootstocks of
grape vines. This menace brought many vineyards to their knees,
resulting in the largest wholesale devastation of vineyards in
California's history. Crabb did not succumb to the perilous
aphid; instead, he pioneered the implementation of Phylloxera
resistant rootstocks. This saved To Kalon Vineyard, and laid the
foundations for all Napa Valley Vineyards that followed.

These Oakville Vineyards, whose rise to prominence began in the
1950's, utilized perfect Cabernet growing conditions to
revolutionize California Wine. Warm, sunny days are the primary
aspect of the Oakville microclimate that lends itself to
Cabernet production. To the south of Oakville are the Yountville
Mounts, which block much of the fog that creeps through the
valley from the San Pablo Bay. This allows the Cabernet grapes
to bask in the sun's glory, giving rise to fruit forward,
complex and balanced Cabs.

Some of the best Cabs in the world come from this historic
region. And the crème de la crème of Oakville is Robert
Mondavi's Opus One. Anyone who has tasted this opulent Bordeaux
blend can attest to its brilliance.

Even though Oakville enjoys an ideal climate, the soil of this
region lays the foundation for premium quality Bordeaux blends
and varietals. The home to the best vineyards and wineries in
Oakville is affectionately known as the Oakville Bench. This
name originated from the landscape of the area; located above
the valley floor, but at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains.
Ever since the Sonoma Volcanics blanketed Napa County with ash
millions of years ago, nutrient rich sediment has been washing
down from the mountains, covering the Oakville Bench. This,
along with the sandy, rocky soil which naturally exists in
Oakville allows for elaborate, penetrating root systems and
healthy vines. These vines in turn produce grapes with unmatched
flavor and intensity.

Tags: Oakville - vineyard - california - winery - cabernet

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