AND ANOTHER

[Doc Rock]

Jerry,

DREGS to the whole AVA "system" as it were. Given its origins (ATF), no wonder it confuses the hell out of everyone. And the winery owners haven't done themselves any favors, either, with their curious parochialism.

Want a "California Coast" AVA? Fine, but tell me, is there much real meaning to a "Napa Valley" or "Sonoma County" appellation? Heavens, there are so many different soil types, terrains and microclimates in Napa and Sonoma, those appellations tell me precious little OTHER THAN that the grapes didn't come from that refinery in Modesto.

Over time, AVAs that are truly distinctive will come to the fore (Russian River Valley for Pinots and Chards, for example, IMO). Most will be forgotten faster than Kato Kailin.