Cool climate and relatively high rainfall are the general ecological features shared by all vineyards within the Sonoma Coast AVA. These factors contribute to slow grape maturation, with optimum ripeness coinciding with the very end of the growing season -- ideal conditions for the challenging Pinot Noir variety. The appellation stretches as far south as San Pablo Bay, right up to the Mendocino County line. Its broad boundaries overlap a number of other Sonoma AVAs and sub-AVAs. They also include some Sonoma shoreline vineyards, previously outside any other viticultural area. The climate is warm during the day (70s - 80s) and very cool at night with considerable afternoon breezes. This results in a prolonged growing season with long hang time and a late harvest. As a result, wines from this coastal band tend to exhibit concentrated and complex fruit flavors and have notable structure.