1997 Louis M. Martini Ghost Pines Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

Chiles Valley District AVA lies within the Napa Valley AVA. Chiles Valley includes 6,000 square acres total, with 1,000 square acres of vineyards. Thanks to its location in the Vaca Mountains on the northeastern edge of Napa Valley, Chiles Valley, at 600 to 1,200 feet above sea level, has a cooler climate that the Napa Valley floor. Along with its relatively high altitude, Chiles Valley’s location as the most eastern of Napa Valley’s sub appellations means that Chiles has more of a continental weather pattern than a maritime pattern. Days can be hot and night much cooler. The AVA earned official designation in 1999 and its vineyards are primarily planted to Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Zinfandel. Chiles Valley was named for Joseph Ballinger Chiles, who received a land grant for much of the area in 1841.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.