Secrets of the best Napa Valley vineyards

How the best Napa Valley vineyards get that way

There are about 400 wineries in Napa valley, and 16 American Viticultural areas with different terroit. No one of them produces the perfect grape — instead, the best vineyards of Napa Valley match the right variety of grape to their vineyard and tend the vines with care. They grow Pinot Noir and Merlot in the coolest parts of the valley, Zinfandel in the mildest and the hardy but exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon grapes anywhere they like.

One of the best vineyards in Napa near St. Helena

Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards in Napa Valley, a 10-minute drive from downtown St. Helena, is one of the best vineyards in the Napa Valley area. Their Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends are widely regarded as among the best wines in Napa.

Anderson’s Conn Valley Vineyards is a 40-acre estate just south of Howell Mountain, and has been owned and operated by the Anderson family since 1983. Anderson’s wines are sold online and in five locations in Napa Valley, and many other locations nationwide. An example of what this vineyard can produce is the 2012 Right Bank. This comes from one of those perfect years for grape growing, when sun and rain seem to conspire to produce high yield and high quality. The wine features a strong blackberry aroma with hints of red berries, dark cocoa, blue violets, cloves and anise. The flavor is similar, and perfectly balanced with bright acidity. This wine should be good for 30 years. Order a bottle of the 2013 vintage today to see if it’s equally good.