The sub-county, sub-Valley AVAs approach, but do not fully equate with, the vineyard level AOCs in Burgundy. While there is not the direct quality comparison as in ‘bourgogne’, village, specific vineyard, level of cru, the important aspect of the local terroir is indicated. And, as in Burgundy, though less common, sometimes more than one producer makes wines from a specific vineyard. Absolutely worth understanding for the serious student. Rutherford Bench is not the same things as Stags Leap or Atlas Peak or Spring Mountain.
Less than “equally important” but more than “interesting bit of nuance”.
The sub-county, sub-Valley AVAs approach, but do not fully equate with, the vineyard level AOCs in Burgundy. While there is not the direct quality comparison as in ‘bourgogne’, village, specific vineyard, level of cru, the important aspect of the local terroir is indicated. And, as in Burgundy, though less common, sometimes more than one producer makes wines from a specific vineyard. Absolutely worth understanding for the serious student. Rutherford Bench is not the same things as Stags Leap or Atlas Peak or Spring Mountain.
Rutherford cab and Rockpile zin both immediately grab my attention. It’s also good to know if it is mountain fruit, as it tends to be more tannic.