Winemaker Notes

2006 Contra Costa County Chardonnay

Vineyard: Estate
Composition: 100% Chardonnay
Harvest date: September 14, 2006
Sugar: 24 Brix
Total acid: .76g/100ml
pH: 3.5
Aging: 8 months French and American
Release date: June 1, 2009

Vineyard: Viano Vineyards are located midway between the Napa and Livermore valleys. Situated at the inlet from the San Francisco Bay, we have warm days and cool nights, ideal for creating fine wines. Our vines are grown using traditional methods and are all head-pruned and dry farmed. Our sloping hillsides provide excellent drainage.

Tasting notes: Our 2006 Chardonnay greets you with hints of apple, pineapple, and citrus, with a light toasty oak finish.

2006 Contra Costa County Zinfandel

Vineyard: Estate, Sand Rock Hill
Composition: 100% Zinfandel
Harvest date: October 1, 2006
Sugar: 24.5 Brix
Total acid: .7g/100ml
pH: 3.6
Aging: 12 months French Oak
Release date: August 17, 2009

Vineyard: The Sand Rock Hill vineyard consists of 85-121 year old vines growing on sandrock. The soil varies from 6 inches to 3 feet in depth, producing smaller berries with great intensity and flavor.

Tasting notes: Our 2006 Reserve Selection Sand Rock Hill Zinfandel has a full regiment of ripe fruit, excellent depth, with a spicy finish. Perfect with savory grilled meats. Limited production - 606 cases

2005 Contra Costa County Zinfandel

Vineyard: Estate
Composition: 100% Zinfandel
Harvest date: Sept 20-30, 2005
Sugar: 24 Brix
Total acid: .75g/100ml
pH: 3.5
Aging: 6 months French and American
Release date: November 15, 2007

Vineyard: Viano Vineyards are located midway between the Napa and Livermore valleys. Situated at the inlet from the San Francisco Bay, we have warm days and cool nights, ideal for creating fine wines. Our vines are grown using traditional methods and are all head-pruned and dry farmed. Our sloping hillsides provide excellent drainage.

Tasting notes: Our 2005 Private Stock Zinfandel is intriguing and full flavored. It is ripe, soft, and loaded with berry flavors, with a peppery finish. Easy drinker. Great with ribs in a mild sauce. Exceptional Value!

2006 Lodi Zinfandel

Vineyard: Lodi
Composition: 100% Zinfandel
Harvest date: Sept. 15, 2006
Sugar: 24 Brix
Total acid: .65g/100ml
pH: 3.6
Aging: 12 months French and American Oak
Release date: August 16, 2008
Awards: Bronze medal - Orange County Fair

Vineyard: Three generations of winemaking have led us to this select Lodi Vineyard. Located near the base of the Sierra Foothills - home to some of the finest Zinfandels in California - this 40 year old vineyard produces mature, ripe fruit. Warm days and cool nights provide the perfect compliment for a wine with vibrant fruit and moderate tannins.

Tasting notes: This Zin is a full bodied red with hints of boysenberry, cherry, and spice. It is enhanced by French and American oak aging for a soft, subtle finish. It is a great compliment to red sauce pastas or BBQ.

2004 Contra Costa County Sangiovese

Vineyard: Estate
Composition: 100% Sangiovese
Harvest date: September 6, 2004
Sugar: 24 Brix
Total acid: .72g/100ml
pH: 3.4
Aging: 14 months Eastern European
Release date: August 16, 2008
Awards: 2008 - Silver medal Orange County Fair

Vineyard: Viano Vineyards are located midway between the Napa and Livermore valleys. Situated at the inlet from the San Francisco Bay, we have warm days and cool nights, ideal for creating fine wines. Our vines are grown using traditional methods and are all head-pruned and dry farmed. Our sloping hillsides provide excellent drainage.

Tasting notes: Our 2004 Reserve Selection Sangiovese is the Brunello clone from the Montalcino region of Italy. It is a classic example of Sangiovese made in the traditional Brunello style. Highly extracted flavors of dark cherry and strawberry, softened by subtle oak and integrated acidity. Drinkable now or can be aged for several years. Limited production - 320 cases

2004 Contra Costa County Petite Sirah

Vineyard: Estate
Composition: 100% Petite Sirah
Harvest date: September 22, 2004
Sugar: 24.5 Brix
Total acid: .75g/100ml
pH: 3.5
Aging: 14 months French and American
Release date: August 16, 2008

Vineyard: Viano Vineyards are located midway between the Napa and Livermore valleys. Situated at the inlet from the San Francisco Bay, we have warm days and cool nights, ideal for creating fine wines. Our vines are grown using traditional methods and are all head-pruned and dry farmed. Our sloping hillsides provide excellent drainage.

Tasting notes: Our 2004 Reserve Selection Petite Sirah has nothing petite about it. It is big, rich, and full bodied. It has a deep purple color. Dark berry and hints of chocolate intermingle with a light pepper and creamy oak finish.

2004 Contra Costa County Cabernet Sauvignon

Vineyard: Estate, Sandstone
Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Harvest date: September 12, 2004
Sugar: 24 Brix
Total acid: .71g/100ml
pH: 3.58
Aging: 24 months French and American
Release date: August 16, 2008

Vineyard: Viano Vineyards are located midway between the Napa and Livermore valleys. Situated at the inlet from the San Francisco Bay, we have warm days and cool nights, ideal for creating fine wines. Our vines are grown using traditional methods and are all head-pruned and dry farmed. Our sloping hillsides provide excellent drainage.

Tasting notes: 2004 had a moderate growing season to fully mature the tannins of our Sandstone Cab. It has full berry, nice fruit, intermingled with shadows of oak. It can be enjoyed now or cellared for at least 5 more years.

2005 Contra Costa County Cabernet Sauvignon

Vineyard: Estate
Composition: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
Harvest date: October 2, 2005
Sugar: 24.5 Brix
Total acid: .73g/100ml
pH: 3.55
Aging: 8 months French and American
Release date: November 11, 2009

Vineyard: Viano Vineyards are located midway between the Napa and Livermore valleys. Situated at the inlet from the San Francisco Bay, we have warm days and cool nights, ideal for creating fine wines. Our vines are grown using traditional methods and are all head-pruned and dry farmed. Our sloping hillsides provide excellent drainage.

Tasting notes: Our 2005 Private Stock Cabernet Sauvignon can be enjoyed now or cellared for a special day. It has soft tannins with delicious aromas. Flavors of dark fruit, berries and plum are enhanced by oak aging. A lot of bang for the buck!

2006 Contra Costa County Vintage Zinfandel Port

Vineyard: Estate
Composition: 100% Zinfandel
Harvest date: October 16, 2006
Sugar: 28 Brix
Total acid: .7g/100ml
pH: 3.55
Aging: 12 months French and American
Release date: June 15, 2009
Awards: Best of Show - Orange County Fair Gold Medal - California Zinfandel Championships

Vineyard: The Zinfandel Port is produced from 70+ year old gnarled, dry-farmed, hillside vines.

Tasting notes: Our 2006 Vintage Zinfandel Port is not your traditional style Port. It is intriguing and full flavored. It is ripe, soft, and loaded with berry flavors, with a light peppery finish. Not medicinal! Exceptional Value!