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New World Wine Regions

California Wine Country

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Napa Valley

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Napa Valley​ AVA

Summary:
A breathtaking getaway and a world-renowned wine producing region, Napa Valley was established as California’s first AVA (American Viticultural Area) in 1981. Within the Napa Valley AVA are 16 sub-AVAs, including Atlas Peak, Calistoga, Chiles Valley District, Coombsville, Diamond Mountain District, Howell Mountain, Los Carneros, Mt. Veeder, Oak Knoll District, Oakville, Rutherford, St. Helena, Spring Mountain District, Stags Leap District, Yountville and Wild Horse Valley.

Location:
One hour north of San Francisco

Climate:
Mediterranean and dry with an average daytime temperature of 70°

Soil:
Geologically diverse

Popular Varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Cabernet Franc

Noteworthy:
Known for consistency in quality vintages. Became an International wine force when two Napa Valley wines took first place in the famed Judgement of Paris, a blind tasting competition between French and California wines.

NAPA VALLEY SUB-APPELLATIONS:

Summary:
Producing fine wine since 1870, Atlas Peak gained AVA status in 1992.

Location:
Primarily within the Foss Valley and Soda Canyon areas in the southeastern part of the mountains of Napa Valley AVA, just east of Yountville and above the foothills of the Stags Leap District.

Climate:
Cool, with low diurnal range that is above the fog line, this AVA enjoys long hours of sunshine most days.

Soil:
Volcanic & red basalt

Popular Varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon & Zinfandel

Noteworthy:
The most rugged, highly elevated and breathtaking landscape in Napa Valley, the peak reaches 2,663ft above sea level; the highest in the region.

Featured Wineries in Atlas Peak AVA:
Acumen Wines, Astrale e Terra

Summary:
One of the most dramatic sub-AVAs of Napa Valley, the Calistoga AVA experiences extremes in terroir that produce some of the best fruit of the region.

Location:
Northernmost sub-AVA in the Napa Valley, nestled between Diamond Mountain AVA and Howell Mountain AVA.

Climate:
40F-100F, this AVA has the largest diurnal range of any AVA in the region.

Soil:
Volcanic. Calistoga AVA has some of the most uniform soils of any AVA in the region & the highest percentage of volcanic soils.

Popular Varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah & Syrah

Noteworthy:
Calistoga AVA has the highest recorded rainfall each year out of all the sub-AVAs in the Napa Valley.

Featured Wineries in Calistoga AVA:
Barlow Vineyards, JAX Vineyards, Knights Bridge Winery, Tamber Bey Vineyards

Summary:
Chiles Valley District AVA is one of the smallest sub-AVAs within the Napa Valley.

Location:
4 miles east of the Napa Valley

Climate:
Though it receives less maritime influence than most other AVAs in the area, due to higher altitude (600-1200ft above sea level), the region retains good diurnal range.

Soil:
Alluvial, silt, clay, loam

Popular Varietals:
Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah

Noteworthy:
Some of Napa Valley’s oldest Zinfandel vines are planted here.

Summary:
Wines from this bowl-shaped sub AVA are known for powerful, but smooth tannins and a complex, yet approachable style.

Location:
Southeastern edge of Napa Valley AVA

Climate:
Influenced by the San Pablo Bay, the average temperature is cooler than other Napa Valley sub-AVAs and heat spikes tend to be less severe.

Soil:
Gravelly volcanic, alluvial

Popular Varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir & Syrah

Noteworthy:
Given AVA status in 2011, this region has incredible diversity from vineyard to vineyard due to the varied terroir.

Featured Wineries in Coombsville AVA:
Inherit the Sheep, Italics Winegrowers, Le Chanceux, Maroon Wines, Sciandri Family Vineyards, Silverado Vineyards

Summary:
Located in a slightly cooler region, this sub-AVA is known for producing powerful, balanced wines that have the ability to age gracefully.

Location:
Northern part of the Napa Valley AVA, just West of Calistoga

Climate:
50F-90F during growing season, which is more moderate than other sub-AVAs in the area

Soil:
Sedimentary, volcanic

Popular Varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot

Noteworthy:
Though the first vineyard was planted here in 1860, the Diamond Mountain District did not receive AVA status until 2001.

Summary:
Known for it’s well-drained, infertile soil the Howell Mountain AVA produces aromatic wines with beautiful acidity.

Location:
Northeastern Napa Valley AVA

Climate:
Warmest & driest of all Napa Valley sub-AVAs

Soil:
Tufa (decomposed volcanic ash), red clay

Popular Varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel

Noteworthy:
This was the first sub-AVA identified in Napa Valley in 1984.

Featured Wineries in Howell Mountain AVA:
Bravante Vineyards, Clif Family Winery, Herb Lamb Vineyards, Howell Mountain Vineyards, William Cole Vineyards

Summary:
Spanish for ram, the Carneros AVA stretches across both Napa Valley and Sonoma counties, with wine labels often reflecting the county in which the grapes are grown.

Location:
The southernmost sub-AVA of Napa Valley, just South of the town of Napa

Climate:
Influenced by cooling winds from San Pablo Bay & the Petaluma Gap, this region is cool, foggy & windy.

Soil:
Shallow clay, alluvial

Popular Varietals:
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Merlot

Noteworthy:
This region receives the lowest amount of rainfall (less than 24 inches/year) than any other sub-region.

Featured Wineries in Los Carneros AVA:
Anaba Wines, Ceja Vineyards, Ramspur Winery, Truchard Vineyards

Summary:
The Mount Veeder AVA produces very ageable wines in a rugged region where most grapes are hand harvested due to its steep slopes and rugged terrain. Vines produce tiny berries, showing intense flavor concentration, yet soft tannins.

Location:
Southwestern Napa Valley AVA, slightly Northwest of the city of Napa

Climate:
Some of the coolest temperatures in the region, Mount Veeder has the longest growing season and the lowest yields of any sub-AVA within the Napa Valley.

Soil:
Sedimentary, from an ancient seabed that was pushed up when the continent was formed

Popular Varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Syrah, Merlot, Zinfandel

Noteworthy:
This was the first sub-AVA to produce Petite Verdot. Now, most of the Petite Verdot made in Napa Valley come from these cuttings.

Featured Wineries in Mount Veeder AVA:
Angelo Cellars, Lampyridae Vineyards, Marketta Winery

Summary:
Achieving AVA status in 2004, the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley is known for its Bordeaux varieties.

Location:
Southern end of Napa Valley

Climate:
With its strong marine influence, the Oak Knoll District AVA enjoys morning fog & cooler nights with a moderate temperature that never gets too hot or too cold.

Soil:
Alluvial

Popular Varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir

Noteworthy:
This region produces 18 varietals, more than any other AVA in Napa Valley.

Featured Wineries in Oak Knoll District AVA:
Monticello Vineyards, Greyscale Wines

Summary:
One of the first sub-AVAs granted status in 1993, Oakville is known for its elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, with approximately 75% under vine. Some of Napa Valley’s most collectible, highest scoring wines are produced here.

Location:
The core of Napa Valley, between Rutherford & Yountville

Climate:
Sunny and warm with some morning fog

Soil:
Sedimentary, volcanic, alluvial, loam

Popular Varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot

Noteworthy:
Home to some of the most renowned wineries in the Napa Valley, including Harlan Estate, Opus One, Screaming Eagle, Far Niente and Robert Mondavi.

Featured Wineries in Oak Knoll AVA:
Hoopes Family Vineyard, Tamber Bey Vineyard, Vine Cliff Winery

Summary:
The Rutherford AVA was designated in 1993. Lauded vigneron Andre Tchelistcheff, who famously noted, “It takes Rutherford dust to grow great Cabernet”, was a leader in the Napa Valley wine industry for decades and was based in the famed Rutherford region. He is known for introducing many winemaking innovations, including controlled malolactic fermentation and cold fermentation.

Location:
North of Oakville and South of St. Helena

Climate:
Sunny and warm with some maritime influence

Soil:
Sedimentary, alluvial, gravel, sand, volcanic

Popular Varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon (nearly 67% of all vines), Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petite Verdot, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc

Noteworthy:
Napa Valley pioneer George Yount gifted land to his granddaughter Elizabeth upon her marriage to Thomas Rutherford, giving this region its name.

Featured Wineries in Rutherford AVA:
Del Dotto Vineyards, Grgich Hills Estate, St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery, Sullivan Vineyards

Summary:
One of the more northerly AVAs within the Napa Valley, this region received its AVA status in 1993.

Location:
South of Diamond Mountain District AVA and North of St. Helena

Climate:
Cool days and warm nights

Soil:
Volcanic, sedimentary, sandstone, shale

Popular Varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Zinfandel, Chardonnay

Noteworthy:
Though there is no specific range called Spring Mountain, the name is a broad reference to the general region, known for its many mountain springs.

Featured Wineries in Spring Mountain District AVA:
Cafaro Cellars, Charbay Winery, Juslyn Vineyards, Robert Keenan Winery, Schweiger Vineyards, Terra Valentine

Summary:
Nestled between Rutherford and Spring Mountain where the Napa Valley significantly narrows, this region is surrounded by the Mayacamas and Vaca Mountain ranges. Wines are consistently known for their balance, elegance and power.

Location:
Centered around the town of St. Helena

Climate:
One of the warmer AVAs of Napa Valley, known for frequent days of sunshine days and its longer than average growing season.

Soil:
Sedimentary, gravel, clay, volcanic

Popular Varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc

Noteworthy:
The Napa Valley as we know it today began in St. Helena in the 1840s when General Vallejo gifted land to Edward Bale.

Featured Wineries in St. Helena AVA:
Amizetta, Clif Family Winery, Gallegos Wines, Herb Lamb Vineyards, Long Meadow Ranch Winery, Macauley Vineyard, Modus Operandi Cellars, Salvestrin Winery, Seven Stones, Tudal Winery, William Cole Vineyards

Summary:
World famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon, the Stags Leap District has been growing grapes since the mid-1800s. The region’s wines are renowned for their grace, power and complexity.

Location:
East of Yountville and North of the town of Napa

Climate:
Warm, dry sunny days and cool nights with maritime breezes

Soil:
Volcanic gravel, loam, clay subsoil

Popular Varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc

Noteworthy:
The AVA made a significant mark on the world in 1976, when the 1973 Stags Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon was awarded first place among the likes of Mouton-Rothschild and Haut Brion in the famed blind tasting, The Judgement of Paris.

Featured Wineries in Stags Leap District AVA:
Silverado Vineyards

Summary:
The smallest sub-AVAs within Napa Valley, the obscure Wild Horse Valley is also one of the smallest AVAs in the country.

Location:
At the far, southeastern end of Napa Valley, just east of Coombsville

Climate:
The coolest sub-AVA in Napa Valley due to its high elevation and proximity to the San Pablo Bay

Soil:
Volcanic, basalt

Popular Varietals:
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

Noteworthy:
With its steep hillside and unique soil composition, this region is ideal for boutique producers looking for high quality Pinot Noir fruit.

Summary:
Named for George C. Yount who planted the region’s first vineyards in the 1830s, Yountville (the town and the AVA) is at the epicenter of the Napa Valley. This sub-AVA has the diverse conditions to grow a wide range of grape varieties and produce world class wines.

Location:
Centered around the town of Yountville, just west of the Stags Leap District

Climate:
The vineyards reside to the east of the town of Yountville and are cooler than the town itself, moderated by maritime winds. The region experiences a range of microclimates.

Soil:
Gravel, silt, loam, alluvial

Popular Varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Noteworthy:
This sub-region is known not only for producing some of Napa Valley’s finest wine, but also for its world class restaurants including The French Laundry, Bistro Jeanty, Ad Hoc and Mustards Grill.

Featured Wineries in Yountville AVA:
Goosecross, Hill Family Estate, Hoopes Family Vineyard, Jessup Cellars

FEATURED NAPA WINERIES

SONOMA COUNTY

map of sonoma county wine regions

SONOMA APPELLATIONS:

Summary:
Established as an AVA in 1984, Alexander Valley has long been an attraction in California and today produces some of California’s most lauded Cabernet Sauvignon.

Location:
Northern Sonoma Valley AVA, situated around the town of Geyserville and outlining the Russian River

Climate:
The region’s hot, arid summers and cool, damp winters create an ideal grape-growing climate.

Soil:
Gravel, alluvial

Popular Varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot

Noteworthy:
Named for Cyrus Alexander, the first person to plant grapes in the valley in the 1840s

Featured Wineries in Alexander Valley AVA:
Reynoso Vineyards

Summary:
Originally planted in the 1860s, vines were cleared due to phylloxera and Prohibition. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the region started to make a comeback and received its AVA status in 2003.

Location:
The northwestern-most AVA in the Sonoma Valley, located southeast of Santa Rosa.

Climate:
One of the coolest in Sonoma County, Bennett Valley is directly impacted by the windy Petaluma Gap, where a break in the coastal hills creates fog and cool winds from the Pacific Ocean.

Soil:
Volcanic, clay

Popular Varietals:
Merlot, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon

Noteworthy:
This is a great region to find boutique, family-run wineries made in tiny production quantities.

Summary:
Named for the signature white, chalky soils of the region, Chalk Hill received its AVA status in 1983.

Location:
Northeast corner of the Russian River Valley AVA

Climate:
Warmer than the rest of Russian River Valley AVA due to its higher elevation

Soil:
Volcanic, chalky white ash

Popular Varietals:
Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot

Noteworthy:
Home to only a handful of wineries, this is one of the smaller sub-regions of Sonoma.

Summary:
This region has one of the longest traditions of winemaking in California, dating back to the 1830s.

Location:
Northwest of Healdsburg, this is one of the more northern AVAs in Sonoma.

Climate:
Long, warm days and cool, foggy nights

Soil:
Gravel, sandy loam

Popular Varietals:
Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon

Noteworthy:
Dry Creek is known for its pre-Prohibition Zinfandel vines.

Featured Wineries in Dry Creek Valley AVA:
Blanchard Family Wines, Cast Wines, Dry Creek Vineyard, Michel-Schlumberger, Nalle Winery

Summary:
Carneros was the first AVA established (in 1983) for its unique climate rather than political boundaries.

Location:
Southwest Sonoma Valley and southwest of the town of Sonoma

Climate:
Cool and windy, with less rainfall than neighboring AVAs

Soil:
Volcanic, clay

Popular Varietals:
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah

Noteworthy:
Los Carneros translates to “the rams” in Spanish and is a nod to the region’s history of sheep ranches & dairies. It is the only appellation located at the crossroads of two major wine regions, Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley.

Featured Wineries in Carneros AVA:
Anaba Wines, Attune Wines

Summary:
One of the most rugged, hard to reach AVAs in Sonoma, this area received AVA status in 2012.

Location:
Western part of Sonoma County, close to the ocean

Climate:
Above the fog line, this region receives plenty of sunlight and cooling coastal breezes.

Soil:
Sedimentary, gravelly loam, sandstone, shale

Popular Varietals:
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

Noteworthy:
The modern history of this region began in the 1960s when hippies moved to the area to live off the land & take a more natural approach to winemaking.

Summary:
One of the smallest AVAs in the area, this sub-region is known for having the most consistency in terms of soil and climate.

Location:
Western Russian River Valley AVA

Climate:
Very cool. When the fog comes in it doesn’t leave quickly.

Soil:
Fine, sandy soil called Goldridge

Popular Varietals:
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

Noteworthy:
Vineyards in this region are planted next to the Gravenstein apple orchards that were originally planted by Russian settlers.

Featured Wineries in Green Valley AVA:
Iron Horse Vineyards

Summary:
One of the most remote and rural regions in Sonoma, Knights Valley received AVA status in 1983.

Location:
Nestled up to Mount St. Helena, just to the East of Alexander Valley

Climate:
Warm & sunny, Knights Valley is one of the warmest AVAs in Sonoma.

Soil:
Volcanic

Popular Varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc

Noteworthy:
This region is more rural now than it was during pre-Prohibition.

Featured Wineries in Knights Valley AVA:
Knights Bridge Winery, Moran Manor

Summary:
Known historically as the Valley of the Moon, this region is high elevation and was awarded AVA status in 2013

Location:
Situated just East of Highway 12 within the Sonoma Valley

Climate:
Vines are generally southwest facing & receive ample sunlight with generous crosswinds from San Pablo Bay and the Pacific Ocean

Soil:
Various, predominantly rocky volcanic

Popular Varietals:
Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec

Noteworthy:
On a clear day the buildings of San Francisco can be seen from most vineyards in this region

Summary:
Encompassing Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Alexander Valley, Chalk Hill, Knights Valley and most of Green Valley, this region earned its AVA status in 1990

Location:
Beginning South of Sebastopol and reaching North to Yorkville area. From the West, this region begins around Guenerville and extends East almost to Middletown

Climate:
Varied

Soil:
Geologically diverse

Popular Varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc

Noteworthy:
This is the second largest AVA in Sonoma County after Sonoma Coast

Summary:
Receiving AVA status in 2018, this region is part of a growing trend of designating AVAs by climate & geology rather than political boundaries

Location:
Southern Sonoma County, South of Sonoma Coast & Russian River Valley

Climate:
Very cool, the gap is named for the wind gap allowing cool coastal breezes into the region

Soil:
Clay, sandy loam

Popular Varietals:
Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay

Noteworthy:
Wineries can decide if they want to put “Petaluma Gap” or “Sonoma Coast” on their labels as both designations are accurate

Summary:
With vineyards typically planted at 1,800ft above sea level this region boasts some of the highest elevations for wine grapes in California

Location:
Covers sections of North Coast AVA, Alexander Valley AVA and Northern Sonoma AVA

Climate:
Cool and sunny during the day, but at night experiences maritime inversion in which the heavy, moist fog sinks below warmer air from the valley floor, pushing it upwards & causing the nighttime temperatures to rise

Soil:
Volcanic, alluvial, shale & sandstone

Popular Varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon

Noteworthy:
Vineyards tend to be terraced in small plots and on steep hillsides creating a wide variety of micro-climates which increases the wines’ complexity and nuance

Summary:
With a rugged landscape and long, sunny days, this region is known for producing powerful Zinfandel

Location:
In the Northwest section of Sonoma County, West of Lake Sonoma and North to Mendocino County

Climate:
With elevations up to 2200ft above sea level, this region has less maritime/fog influence than other regions in the area

Soil:
Loam, clay loam

Popular Varietals:
Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon

Noteworthy:
Known for a signature clone of Zinfandel specifically selected from a vineyard in nearby Cloverdale

Summary:
This region received its AVA status in 1983 and is known for the natural air conditioning provided by the cooling fog coming from the Pacific Ocean.

Location:
The “center” of Sonoma County: North of Petaluma, South of Dry Creek Valley and to the West of Chalk Hill

Climate:
Each afternoon, cooling fog rolls in from the nearby Pacific Ocean and each morning the fog retreats, giving this region the perfect balance of sunshine and cool air.

Soil:
Geologically diverse

Popular Varietals:
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel

Noteworthy:
Named for a Russian explorer who explored the valley in the early 1800s, this region was originally planted with grapevines as early as 1817.

Featured Wineries in Russian River Valley AVA:
Christopher Creek Winery, Davis Family Vineyards, Donelan Family Wines, Friedeman Wines, Iron Horse Vineyards, Jaclynn Renée Wines, MacPhail Family Wines, Orpheus Wines, Silverado Vineyards, Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards, Viszlay Vineyards

Summary:
Ranging from rugged and windy in the north to gently rolling hills in the south, this region received its AVA status in 1987.

Location:
Far Northwestern Sonoma County from Mendocino County south almost to San Pablo Bay

Climate:
Cool, with twice the annual rainfall of other nearby AVAs

Soil:
Geologically diverse

Popular Varietals:
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah

Noteworthy:
A diverse region where vines are planted above the fog line in the northern portion, and in the south grapes are influenced by the Petaluma Gap.

Summary:
Known for its powerful, elegant expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, this region received its AVA status in 1985

Location:
Northwestern Sonoma Valley AVA, just South of the Bennett Valley AVA

Climate:
The Eastern edge receives warm, morning sun and the Northwestern area receives more fog

Soil:
Volcanic

Popular Varietals:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah

Noteworthy:
This is one of the first regions to be defined by its terroir rather than political boundaries. It is distinguished primarily by its elevation

Summary:
One of the newest AVAs in Sonoma County, West Sonoma Coast AVA was established in May 2022.

Location:
Westernmost portion of Sonoma County, hugging the steep, wild terrain of the Sonoma coastline. Comprised of three sub-AVAs, including Annapolis, the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA, and Freestone-Occidental, this region is known for its distinct style of cool-climate wines, dictated by its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean.

Climate:
Uniquely cold, marginal, and maritime.

Soil:
Volcanic

Popular Varietals:
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah

Noteworthy:
Elevation ranges from 400 to 1,800 feet. Daytime highs are cooler and nighttime lows are warmer than the rest of the Sonoma Coast AVA, allowing grapes to ripen slowly throughout the day and night, reaching peak maturity at lower sugar levels with pronounced acidity.

Summary:
Achieving AVA status in 1981, this region already had a long history of commercial winemaking dating back to the 1850s. Today, it is known for producing some of the best sparkling wine in California

Location:
Nestled between the Sonoma Coast and Napa Valley

Climate:
Varied, but generally warm, sunny days and cool nights

Soil:
Geologically diverse

Popular Varietals:
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel

Noteworthy:
Sonoma Valley AVA actually produces almost twice as much as its more famous neighbor, Napa Valley

FEATURED SONOMA WINERIES

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Elaine Wines

Elaine Wines offers award-winning, hand crafted, single-vineyard Pinot Noir and...

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CENTRAL COAST

The region contains 40 AVAs including Paso Robles, Santa Cruz Mountains, Monterey, and Santa Barbara and each of these sub-regions specializes in different types and expressions of wine. While the Central Coast may not have the same namesake as Napa Valley, it does happen to produce some of California’s most intriguing, up-and-coming wines.

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