Rutherford AVA
viticultural area located in the central part of the Napa Valley. Its southeastern boundary is adjacent to that of the Oakville AVA (just south of cakebread cellars), and its northwestern boundary parallels Zinfandel Lane. The Rutherford AVA was established in 1993 and extends from the foothills of the western hills across the valley floor to just the other side of the Silverado Trail, covering just under 6,700 acres. The Rutherford area produces some of the best Cabernet Sauvignon wines in the world. The vineyards consist of almost 60 percent of that variety followed by Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.