1999 Dolce Saint Nicholas, Napa Valley

The 17-acre Dolce vineyard is located in Coombsville, east of the city of Napa, and is situated at the base of the Vaca Mountains, which define the eastern border of the valley. The volcanic soil is loose and well drained and the west-facing vineyard is protected from the prevailing winds so that the damp, morning fog – a very important component in the development of botrytis cinerea – hangs longer among the vines, often until mid-day. A combination of high humidity followed by drying conditions encourages, but does not guarantee, the growth of botrytis. As the mold develops its coverage is uneven with individual berries succumbing to botrytis at different rates.