Napa Valley 1986 Vintage Report
Ideally sequenced and largely stress-free, 1986 goes down as a textbook vintage for Napa Valley.
The cycle began with a harmonious flowering period. Warm days (avg 21°C) allowed for an even fruit set, establishing the potential for a generous crop.
The growing season was solar and generous. Accumulating 2032 Growing Degree Days (GDD), the summer provided consistent warmth that drove steady sugar accumulation. A key factor was the dramatic diurnal shift (14.1°C), ensuring that despite the daytime warmth, acidities remained razor-sharp.
Harvest proceeded under mixed skies, requiring agility to dodge the 25mm of rain that fell sporadically during the picking weeks.
**Style:** Rich, opulent, and structured wines built for the long haul.
About Napa Valley
California's most iconic region, Napa Valley sets the global standard for opulent, fruit-forward Cabernet Sauvignon. Its warm climate and diverse volcanic soils produce powerful, velvety reds that rival the best of Bordeaux.
Climatic Blueprint
Growing Degree Days (GDD)
Total Rainfall
Sunshine Hours
Diurnal Shift
Frost Days
Average Temperature
Historical Context (10 Years)
Comparison of growing season heat accumulation vs regional average.
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