Originally planted in 2000 to blend with our Cabernet, we quickly realized what a stand alone gem we had. With only a third of an acre planted, we make just 50 cases of this wine each year. Dark, spicy and complex with a long, supple finish.
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 2018 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.
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.
The 2018 vintage marks only our third release of this red wine blend. Made in honor of our humble beginnings here at Summit Lake and the red blends that Bob made in the early 1970's. Another very small production of just over 50 cases.
This wine celebrates the Boys in our lives, Benjamin and Shane Brakesman.
2017 marks only our second vintage of this red wine blend. Made in honor of our humble beginnings in the red wine field blends Bob made in the early 1970's, and to celebrate the Boys in our lives, Benjamin and Shane Brakesman.
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+
