This little gem started out as an experiment in 1996 made with the "second crop" left out on the vines in November.  Not something we do every year, but something you should always have on hand!  Pairs perfectly with chocolate, berries and cream, cigars or a good fire.

Named for the Brakesman's second granddaughter Clair Riley.  You'll just have to come visit for the Pirate story...

 Silky, spicy, and well balanced without being overly sweet.  Drink now or age 30+

When Bob Brakesman puchased Summit Lake Vineyards in 1971, our small estate vineyard was planted to a pre-prohibition field blend.  This included many Italian varietals, as well as Petite Sirah, Carignan and Zinfandel. His first harvest was in 1973 after two years of pruning and clearing out the brush that had overgrown the property.  The first public release, a 1978 Zinfandel, was released in 1985.  

Our 2016 vintage comes from our old head trained vines grafted from the original planting, as well as our blocks that were planted in 2000 and 2005.

Enjoy now or easily age for 10+ more.

Clean, crisp and refreshing, our Rosé is a blend of our estate Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Well balanced between the fruity character of the Zin and the structure of the Cab and a beautiful blush pink. 

Very limited production which sells out quickly each year so get it while its here!

Limited Library Availability

The foundation for this wine comes from the Cabernet vines that Bob first planted on the property in 1973.  Old, gnarled and well established, these vines produce less and less fruit each year, but what they produce is beautiful, complex and a stunning example of the terroir that Howell Mountain is famous for.  Floral and spicy with supple tannins and a long finish.  

Prior to 1992 these grapes were blended in with the Zinfandel to make a red wine blend.  In 1992 we decided to ferment them separate and in 1994, the wine was named and released for Bob and Sue's first granddaughter Emily Kestrel.  

Drink now or age 20+

And now for something completely different....

Yes, its bubbles...and yes its Zinfandel!

We were the first with a Howell Mountain Port, the first to bring  back to Howell Mountain, and now the first to bring a Sparkling Wine, made from our estate fruit on Howell Mountain. 

Life has been way to serious lately and this little wine is light, clean, crisp and FUN! 

Limited Library Availability

Enjoy now or age for 20 years.