Located east of Mendocino's Redwood Valley, the upland Potter Valley AVA sits more than 200 feet higher than surrounding areas. The lack of population in this remote valley is only exceeded by its lack of resident wineries. The 1,000+ acres of vineyards here are utilized by producers in other, less isolated areas of the county. Great day-night temperature ...  [>] Read More variations separate Potter Valley from other growing areas in Mendocino. Mid-day in this inland valley can be truly hot, but nighttime temperatures plummet. Under such conditions, varieties like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling and, increasingly, Pinot Noir flourish, developing strong but refined character. An added bonus of the Potter Valley - resulting from the very high water table of the Eel River watershed - is a desirable proneness to botrytis in certain vintages. This has drawn international attention to this appellation for its outstanding, albeit intermittent, botrytis Semillon and Riesling production.
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