[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 156 (Monday, August 15, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 47740-47754]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-16132]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau

27 CFR Part 9

[Notice No. 50]
RIN 1513-AA82 thru 1513-AA88


Proposed Alta Mesa, Borden Ranch, Clements Hills, Cosumnes River, 
Jahant, Mokelumne River, and Sloughhouse Viticultural Areas

AGENCY: Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Treasury.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau proposes to 
establish seven new viticultural areas within the boundary of the 
existing Lodi viticultural area, which lies within southern Sacramento 
and northern San Joaquin Counties in California. The seven proposed 
areas are Alta Mesa, Borden Ranch, Clements Hills, Cosumnes River, 
Jahant, Mokelumne River, and Sloughhouse. We designate viticultural 
areas to allow vintners to better describe the origin of their wines 
and to allow consumers to better identify wines they may purchase. We 
invite comments on these proposed additions to our regulations.

DATES: We must receive written comments on or before October 14, 2005.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments to any of the following addresses:
     Chief, Regulations and Procedures Division, Alcohol and 
Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, Attn: Notice No. 50, P.O. Box 14412, 
Washington, DC 20044-4412.
     202-927-8525 (facsimile).
     [email protected] (e-mail).
     http://www.ttb.gov/alcohol/rules/index.htm. An online 
comment form is posted with this notice on our Web site.
     http://www.regulations.gov (Federal e-rulemaking portal; 
follow instructions for submitting comments).
    You may view copies of this notice, the petition, the appropriate 
maps, and any comments we receive about this proposal by appointment at 
the TTB Library, 1310 G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20220. To make an 
appointment, call 202-927-2400. You may also access copies of the 
notice and comments online at http://www.ttb.gov/alcohol/rules/index.htm.
    See the Public Participation section of this notice for specific 
instructions and requirements for submitting comments, and for 
information on how to request a public hearing.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: N.A. Sutton, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax 
and Trade Bureau, Regulations and Procedures Division, 925 Lakeville 
St., No. 158, Petaluma, California 94952; telephone 415-271-1254.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background on Viticultural Areas

TTB Authority

    Section 105(e) of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (the FAA 
Act, 27 U.S.C. 201 et seq.) requires that alcohol beverage labels 
provide consumers with adequate information regarding product identity 
and prohibits the use of misleading information on those labels. The 
FAA Act also authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to issue 
regulations to carry out its provisions. The Alcohol and Tobacco Tax 
and Trade Bureau (TTB) administers these regulations.
    Part 4 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR part 4) allows the 
establishment of definitive viticultural areas and the use of their 
names as appellations of origin on wine labels and in wine 
advertisements. Part 9 of the TTB regulations (27 CFR part 9) contains 
the list of approved viticultural areas.

Definition

    Section 4.25(e)(1)(i) of the TTB regulations (27 CFR 4.25(e)(1)(i)) 
defines a viticultural area for American wine as a delimited grape-
growing region distinguishable by geographical features, the boundaries 
of which have been recognized and defined in part 9 of the regulations. 
These designations allow vintners and consumers to attribute a given 
quality, reputation, or other characteristic of a wine made from grapes 
grown in an area to its geographical origin. The establishment of 
viticultural areas allows vintners to describe more accurately the 
origin of their wines to consumers and helps consumers to identify 
wines they may purchase. Establishment of a viticultural area is 
neither an approval nor an endorsement by TTB of the wine produced in 
that area.

Requirements

    Section 4.25(e)(2) of the TTB regulations outlines the procedure 
for proposing an American viticultural area and provides that any 
interested party may petition TTB to establish a grape-growing region 
as a viticultural area. Section 9.3(b) of the TTB regulations requires 
the petition to include--
     Evidence that the proposed viticultural area is locally 
and/or nationally known by the name specified in the petition;
     Historical or current evidence that supports setting the 
boundary of the proposed viticultural area as the petition specifies;
     Evidence relating to the geographical features, such as 
climate, elevation, physical features, and soils, that distinguish the 
proposed viticultural area from surrounding areas;
     A description of the specific boundary of the proposed 
viticultural area, based on features found on United States Geological 
Survey (USGS) maps; and
     A copy of the appropriate USGS map(s) with the proposed 
viticultural area's boundary prominently marked.

Lodi American Viticultural Areas Steering Committee Petitions

    The Lodi American Viticultural Areas (LAVA) Steering Committee has 
petitioned TTB to establish seven new viticultural areas within the 
boundary of the existing Lodi viticultural area (27 CFR 9.107) in 
southern Sacramento and northern San Joaquin Counties in California. 
The seven LAVA Steering Committee petitions propose the creation of the 
Alta Mesa, Borden

[[Page 47741]]

Ranch, Clements Hills, Cosumnes River, Jahant, Mokelumne River, and 
Sloughhouse viticultural areas. The 16 wine industry members that 
comprise the committee state that their proposal subdivides the 
existing Lodi area into ``seven smaller viticultural areas of 
distinction.''
    The establishment of the seven proposed viticultural areas would 
not in any way affect the existing 551,500-acre Lodi viticultural area. 
The Lodi area will continue as a single American viticultural area 
within its current boundary. However, TTB notes that the seven proposed 
areas fall entirely within the 458,000 acres within the original 1986 
boundary of the Lodi viticultural area and thus, as proposed, would not 
include any of the 93,500 acres added to the Lodi area when it was 
expanded along its western and southern borders in 2002. (See T.D. ATF-
223, published in the Federal Register on February 13, 1986 (51 FR 
5324) for the Lodi viticultural area as originally defined. See T.D. 
ATF-482, published in the Federal Register on September 4, 2002 (67 FR 
56481), for the Lodi area expansion in 2002.)

Proposed Viticultural Areas--Background

Location
    The proposed Cosumnes River, Alta Mesa, and Sloughhouse 
viticultural areas lie, respectively, in the northwestern, north-
central, and northeastern portions of the existing Lodi viticultural 
area and are entirely within Sacramento County. The proposed Clements 
Hills and Mokelumne River areas cover, respectively, the southeastern 
and southwestern portions of the existing Lodi viticultural area and 
are entirely within San Joaquin County. The proposed Borden Ranch and 
Jahant areas cover, respectively, the east-central and central portions 
of the existing Lodi viticultural area and lie in portions of both 
Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties.
    The Cosumnes River flows southwest across the Sacramento County, 
portion of the Lodi viticultural area and crosses the proposed 
Sloughhouse, Alta Mesa and Cosumnes River viticultural areas. The 
Cosumnes River joins the Mokelumne River, which flows west, then 
northwest, through the San Joaquin County portion of the Lodi area. The 
Mokelumne River crosses the proposed Clements Hills and Mokelumne River 
viticultural areas, and forms a portion of the southwestern boundary of 
the proposed Jahant area. Neither river touches the proposed Borden 
Ranch viticultural area.
Summary of Distinguishing Features
    According to the LAVA Steering Committee petition, climate data--
such as temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns--outline the 
distinctive microclimates of the seven proposed viticultural areas. To 
varying degrees, the petition notes, the Lodi viticultural area's 
climate is affected by its inland San Joaquin valley location between 
the Sierra Nevada Range to the east and the Sacramento Delta, with its 
Pacific coast marine influence, to the west.
    Differences in topography, elevation, and soils also help to 
distinguish the seven proposed areas from one another, according to the 
petition. In addition, the LAVA Committee uses the Storie Index 
(Huntington, 1992) to rate the agricultural potential of the soils 
within the seven proposed viticultural areas. This index ranges from 
100 points for highly suitable soils to 0 points for unsuitable soils. 
The petition notes that Storie Index ratings for the seven proposed 
areas range from 95 to 15 points.
    The table below lists the general features of each of the seven 
proposed viticultural areas as outlined in the LAVA Steering Committee 
petition:

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  Name of proposed viticultural                     Relative growing    Storie (soil)   Location within the Lodi
              area                  Total acreage    season length *        index           viticultural area
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Alta Mesa.......................            55,400                 3             25-40  north-central.
Borden Ranch....................            70,000                 2             15-30  east-central.
Clements Hills..................            85,400                 2             15-30  southeast.
Cosumnes River..................            54,700                 2             24-40  northwest.
Jahant..........................            28,000                 1             25-40  central.
Mokelumne River.................            85,700                 1             80-95  southwest.
Sloughhouse.....................            78,800                 4             15-30  northeast.
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* 1 = coolest; 4 = warmest.

    In addition, the LAVA Steering Committee petition provided an 
overview of each proposed area's grape-growing environment, which we 
outline in this table:

------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Proposed viticultural area                  Description
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alta Mesa........................  Intermediate-elevation river terraces
                                    and fans; prairie environment; San
                                    Joaquin soil series of intermediate
                                    age; heavy, red, clay loams;
                                    slightly warmer and less windy
                                    climate than the lowlands to the
                                    west; primarily red grape varietals.
Borden Ranch.....................  High elevations, very old river
                                    terraces and hills; oldest valley
                                    floor soils; vernal pools and
                                    prairie mound environment with high
                                    ridges; windy, and warmer, and
                                    wetter climate than lowlands to the
                                    west; primarily red grape varietals.
Clements Hills...................  High-elevation river terraces and
                                    hills with older soils and volcanic
                                    sediments; woodland environment;
                                    warmer and wetter climate than
                                    lowlands to the west; primarily red
                                    grape varietals.
Cosumnes River...................  Low-elevation meadows and riverbank
                                    woodland environment; diversity of
                                    young soils along floodplain and
                                    sloughs with patches of intermediate-
                                    age soils on river terraces and
                                    fans; cool and windy climate;
                                    primarily white grape varietals.
Jahant...........................  Intermediate elevations with erosion,
                                    dissected river terraces and old
                                    floodplain deposits; soils are sandy
                                    at surface and older and cemented at
                                    sub-surface depths; cool and breezy
                                    climate; both red and white grape
                                    varietals.
Mokelumne River..................  Intermediate-to-low-elevation
                                    alluvial fan; prairie environment;
                                    distinctive soils; cool and windy
                                    climate; both red and white grape
                                    varietals.

[[Page 47742]]

 
Sloughhouse......................  High-elevation river terraces and low
                                    bedrock hills of the Sierra Range;
                                    older soils; woodland environment;
                                    warmer and wetter climate than the
                                    lowlands to the west; both red and
                                    white grape varietals.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Seven Proposed Viticultural Areas

    Below, we discuss the name and boundary evidence and distinguishing 
features for each of the seven viticultural areas proposed by the LAVA 
Steering Committee.

Alta Mesa

    The proposed Alta Mesa viticultural area is located in Sacramento 
County in the north-central portion of the established Lodi 
viticultural area, approximately 21 miles south of the city of 
Sacramento and 13 miles north of the city of Lodi. The proposed area 
covers 55,400 acres, of which approximately 5,000 acres are planted to 
grapes, according to the LAVA Steering Committee petition. This 
irregularly shaped, five-sided area is 13.3 miles long north to south, 
and 8.3 miles wide at its widest point east to west. The Alta Mesa 
region's ``tabletop'' landform and the Joaquin soil series are the 
proposed area's distinctive and unifying features, the petition states.
    Below, we summarize the evidence presented in the Alta Mesa 
petition.

Name Evidence

    The petition explains that the name ``Alta Mesa,'' which means 
``high table'' in Spanish, reflects California's history under Spanish-
controlled Mexico. The petition states that local ranchers, farmers, 
and winemakers refer to this region within the existing Lodi 
viticultural area as ``Alta Mesa,'' and notes that the name is also 
used for places within the proposed viticultural area. The Alta Mesa 
Farm Bureau Hall, which is listed on the National Register of Historic 
Places, is on Alta Mesa Road, while the Alta Mesa Fair is held in Elk 
Grove and the Alta Mesa Dairy is in Wilton, both of which are within 
the proposed area's boundary.
    The name ``Alta Mesa'' also appears four times on the USGS 
Sloughhouse map within the proposed viticultural area's boundaries. The 
map shows the 138-foot high Alta Mesa benchmark and the Alta Mesa 
Community Hall in section 9, and the Alta Mesa Gun Club in section 8, 
T6N, R7E. Alta Mesa Road runs along the northern and eastern boundaries 
of section 5, T6N, R7E, and continues onto the USGS Clay, California, 
map. The road serves as part of the Alta Mesa viticultural area's 
proposed eastern boundary.

Boundary Evidence

    The Alta Mesa tabletop landform and the extent of the Joaquin soil 
series generally outline the boundary of the proposed Alta Mesa 
viticultural area, according to the petition. The petition explains 
that the American and Cosumnes Rivers have built up intermediate 
elevation river terraces and alluvial fans, which form the proposed 
area's tabletop or ``mesa,'' the elevation of which gently rises from 
approximately 35 feet in the west to 135 feet in the east.
    The proposed Alta Mesa area's northern boundary coincides with the 
established Lodi viticultural area's boundary at Sheldon Road in 
Sacramento County. According to the petition, eroded terrain and a 
change in soil types mark the proposed area's southern boundary at the 
Dry Creek estuary. Changes in elevation from Alta Mesa's tabletop 
landform, the petition explains, mark the proposed area's eastern and 
western boundary lines. Also, the petition notes, the proposed area's 
western boundary marks a transition to the warmer climate of the 
proposed Cosumnes River viticultural area. In addition, the proposed 
Alta Mesa area is bordered on the east by the proposed Sloughhouse and 
Borden Ranch viticultural areas, and, to the south, by the proposed 
Jahant area.

Distinguishing Features

Topography
    The proposed Alta Mesa viticultural area's tabletop or mesa-like 
landform is one of the area's most distinctive and unifying features, 
the petition states. The proposed Alta Mesa area sits on intermediate 
elevation river terraces and alluvial fans, and, despite some 
depressions and mounds, the area has a generally flat surface. This 
tabletop landform peaks at 138 feet in its northeast corner and 
gradually declines to 35 feet along its western side. To the east of 
the proposed Alta Mesa area, the Sierra Range foothills begin to rise 
within the proposed Sloughhouse viticultural area. To the proposed Alta 
Mesa area's immediate west, the proposed Cosumnes River viticultural 
area has lower elevations that almost dip to mean sea level. Deer Creek 
and the lower course of the Cosumnes River run parallel and southwest 
through the proposed area.
Soils
    The San Joaquin soil series, which covers about 90 percent of the 
Alta Mesa region, is also a distinctive feature of the proposed 
viticultural area, the petition states. The petition explains that this 
soil series consists of dense, heavy clay that limits rooting depth and 
the need for irrigation. Classified as Abruptic Durixeralfs, the San 
Joaquin soils have high percentages of clay and gravel, and intensive 
reddening and cementation caused by silica, clay, and iron. This soil 
series has intermediate-age parent materials, 12,000 to 45,000 years 
old, from stage 2 of the late Pleistocene glacial age, making these 
some of the oldest soils within the established Lodi viticultural area, 
according to the petition.
    The San Joaquin soil series, the petition emphasizes, creates a 
distinctive and beneficial viticultural environment in the proposed 
Alta Mesa viticultural area. The Storie Index, which rates soils from 0 
to 100 points for potential agricultural use (100 being most suitable), 
places the Alta Mesa soils between 25 and 40 points of suitability.
Climate
    The petition uses data from the Lodi, Sacramento, Folsom, and Camp 
Pardee weather stations, which are located close to the proposed Alta 
Mesa viticultural area. Climatically, the petition states, the proposed 
Alta Mesa area is a transitional region that is warmer than the other 
proposed viticultural areas within the existing Lodi viticultural area, 
except for Sloughhouse, which is further inland to the east of the 
proposed Alta Mesa area. The petition states that the proposed Alta 
Mesa area's mean annual temperature is 60.5 degrees Fahrenheit. The 
average growing season degree-day total \*\ for the proposed Alta Mesa 
viticultural area, according to the petition, is more than 100 degree 
days over that of the cooler, proposed Cosumnes River viticultural area 
to its west and the proposed Borden Ranch and Clements Hills 
viticultural areas to

[[Page 47743]]

its east and southeast. Also, the petition continues, the warmer Alta 
Mesa area is more than 200 degree days higher than the proposed Jahant 
and Mokelumne River viticultural areas to its south, which are closer 
to the Sacramento Delta's cooling winds.
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    \*\ During the growing season, one degree day accumulates for 
each degree Fahrenheit that a day's average temperature is above 50 
degrees, which is the minimum temperature required for grapevine 
growth. See ``General Viticulture,'' by Albert J. Winkler, 
University of California Press, 1974.
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    The sea breeze from the Pacific Ocean that funnels through the 
Carquinez Straits and the Sacramento Delta, the petition explains, 
cools the overall Lodi area. However, this natural air conditioning 
gradually decreases in intensity and disperses as it flows inland from 
west to east. As measured across the northern portion of the existing 
Lodi viticultural area from west to east, these marine winds are 
strongest in the proposed Cosumnes River viticultural area, less 
intense in the proposed Alta Mesa area, and weakest in the proposed 
Sloughhouse area.
    Winter fog is also common in the proposed Alta Mesa viticultural 
area, the petition explains, due to seasonal standing water and cold-
air drainage from the foothills to the east. This fog slightly 
decreases the Alta Mesa area's growing season degree-day total, 
according to the petition, by limiting the springtime heating of the 
soil and vines. In addition, the petition notes, the proposed Alta Mesa 
viticultural area's elevation provides a buffer between this fog from 
the west and the proposed Sloughhouse viticultural area to the east.
    The average annual rain total in the proposed Alta Mesa 
viticultural area, according to petition evidence, is 18.5 inches. This 
amount, the petition notes, is less than the 23-inch annual average in 
Sloughhouse to the east and more than the 14 to 17.5-inch average in 
regions to Alta Mesa's immediate south.

Borden Ranch

    The proposed Borden Ranch viticultural area is located in southern 
Sacramento and northern San Joaquin Counties in the east-central 
portion of the established Lodi viticultural area, approximately 27 
miles southeast of the city of Sacramento and 13 miles north of the 
city of Lodi. Covering 70,000 acres, the petition notes that 
approximately 11,000 acres within the proposed Borden Ranch area are 
planted to grapes. Located between the Sierra Foothills to the east and 
the San Joaquin Valley to the west, the proposed area has a distinctive 
terrain of old alluvial fans, river terraces and plains, and high 
elevations, according to the LAVA Steering Committee petition.
    Below, we summarize the evidence presented in the Borden Ranch 
petition.

Name Evidence

    In 1864, Ivey Lewis Borden established the Borden Ranch in this 
area, and local residents have used the name ever since, according to 
the petition. For example, the petition notes an August 16, 1929, 
Stockton Daily Evening Record article reporting on a barn fire on the 
Borden Ranch that killed a famous horse. More recently, the Borden 
Ranch name appeared in a court case and related news media stories 
involving a developer who sued the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over 
wetlands issues, and the petition included a January 6, 2003, 
Sacramento Business Journal article on the case.
    The petition states that since the 1970s, when the Burton and 
Dedomenico families began the first major grape plantings within the 
proposed area, local residents have also come to know Borden Ranch for 
its grape growing. Since that time, the petition continues, Sutter 
Home, Mondavi, and Delicato have also planted vineyards in the proposed 
area. The petition also claims that between 1995 and 1996, the single 
largest vineyard expansion in California history occurred in this area.
    In addition, the petition includes articles from the April 8, 2003, 
Stockton Record and the April 18, 2003, Modesto Bee that discuss recent 
vineyard development around Clay Station. Named for a popular 
stagecoach stop from the California Gold Rush days and located on the 
historic Borden Ranch, Clay Station is noted for its rich reddish clay 
soils and large stones, which provide for well-drained soil for grape 
growing, according to the Stockton Record article.
    The petition also included statements from local residents 
regarding the use of the Borden Ranch name. For example, Jeff Sparrowk, 
a longtime Clements-area rancher, notes that the Borden Ranch is well 
known for its quality grazing land and vineyards. Robert Disch, a 
Borden Ranch-area farmer, states that Borden Ranch has become well 
known since vineyard development began there in the 1970s. He adds, 
``We are happy to see the notoriety of this region increasing and can 
declare that the Borden Ranch has a well-known history in our 
community.''
    Wine industry publications have also taken notice of the Borden 
Ranch area, according to several articles supplied with the petition. 
An article titled ``Lodi & the Sacramento Valley Vintage 2000'' from 
the Wine Institute's ``Harvest 2000'' publication comments on the 
``enormous quality potential'' of newer grape growing areas ``such as 
Borden Ranch.'' The Spring 2002 edition of the ``V&E Trellis Wire,'' a 
publication of the Department of Viticultural and Enology at the 
University of California-Davis, includes an article about a student 
field trip to the Lodi-Woodbridge wine region. The article describes 
the students' visit to the Borden Ranch, which it characterized as a 
4,000-acre vineyard region.

Boundary Evidence

    The proposed Borden Ranch viticultural area lies between the Sierra 
Range foothills to the east and the San Joaquin Valley to the west. The 
proposed area's northern and southern boundaries are based on two 
generally parallel streams--the Laguna, a tributary of the Cosumnes 
River, in the north, and Dry Creek, a tributary of the Mokelumne River, 
in the south. Both flow northeast to southwest from the Sierra 
Foothills to the San Joaquin Valley.
    The stream deposits from the Laguna and Dry Creek are the 
distinguishing and unifying feature of the proposed Borden Ranch 
viticultural area, according to the petition. The proposed area's 
predominant geographical features are the high elevation, older river 
terraces and hills located within the watersheds of the Laguna and Dry 
Creek. These deposits and river terraces, the petition explains, extend 
from the Laguna in the north to near Liberty Road at the area's 
proposed southern boundary near Dry Creek. As a result, the proposed 
Borden Ranch area's northern boundary follows the path of the Laguna, 
while Dry Creek runs slightly north of the proposed area's southern 
boundary. The petition uses roads to mark the proposed area's eastern 
and western boundaries.

Distinguishing Features

Topography
    As explained in the petition, the proposed Borden Ranch 
viticultural area has distinctive terrain due to its location between 
the Laguna and Dry Creek streams and its location at the base of the 
Sierra Foothills. The river terraces and stream deposits left by the 
Laguna and Dry Creek throughout the proposed Borden Ranch area are its 
distinguishing and unifying feature, according to the petition. The 
petition notes that the proposed area's lower, western elevations also 
have prairie mounds and vernal pools along these river terraces. Hills 
and ridges, which are the eroded remnants of very old river deposits, 
are found near the Sierra Foothills in the proposed area's higher 
eastern elevations. In addition, the petition states, the oldest 
alluvial fans in

[[Page 47744]]

Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties are found in the eastern portion of 
the proposed area close to the Sierras.
    The proposed Borden Ranch viticultural area inclines upward toward 
the Sierra Range, from 73 feet in elevation along its western boundary 
to 520 feet along its eastern border, a rise of 447 feet. While these 
elevations and rise are similar to the proposed Sloughhouse 
viticultural area to the north of the Borden Ranch area, the proposed 
Alta Mesa and Jahant areas to the west of Borden Ranch have peak 
elevations of only 137 feet and 105 feet, respectively. The existing 
Lodi viticultural area's eastern boundary also marks the eastern limit 
of the proposed Borden Ranch area--beyond which lies the higher 
elevations and more mountainous terrain of the Sierra Foothills.
Soils
    The terrain within the proposed Borden Ranch viticultural area 
exceeds 700,000 years in age, and is distinctively older than the 
terrain found in the other six proposed Lodi viticultural areas, 
according to the petition. In addition, the petition notes, the oldest 
valley soils in the Lodi region are found on the tops of the terraces 
above the streams in the proposed Borden Ranch area. These old 
Durixeralfs soils, the petition states, include the Redding, 
Hicksville, Corning, and Yellowlark soil series.
    In contrast, the petition states that the surface terrain in the 
proposed Sloughhouse viticultural area to the north of the Borden Ranch 
area and in the proposed Clements Hills viticultural area to its south 
is from 125,000 and 250,000 years old, respectively, to 700,000 years 
old. Additionally, the proposed Borden Ranch viticultural area's soils 
contain a large percentage of surface and below ground rock cobble, or 
stones, a feature unique to this area, according to the petition.
Climate
    The petition incorporates data from the Lodi, Sacramento, Folsom, 
Camp Pardee, and Stockton weather stations, which are located near the 
proposed Borden Ranch viticultural area. The proposed Borden Ranch 
area, the petition notes, has a greater diversity of topographic-
climatic vineyard sites than any of the other six areas proposed for 
establishment within the existing Lodi viticultural area. As the 
petition explains, vineyards within the proposed Borden Ranch area are 
found on hilltops or slopes, and in flat valley floors, facing 
different compass directions. These topographic variables, the petition 
states, are responsible for differences of sun, temperature, soil, 
water, and windiness in the vineyards.
    The proposed Borden Ranch area, according to the petition, is 
windier, warmer, and wetter, than the lowland regions to its west. The 
combination of cooling Sacramento Delta breezes from the west and cold 
air drainage from the Sierra Foothills to the east, the petition 
explains, generates high wind intensity and duration in the proposed 
Borden Ranch area. The petition notes that this windswept environment, 
in conjunction with the area's hills and stony soils, creates high 
water evaporation conditions in the vineyards that lessen the vigor of 
the grapevine growth.
    While the Borden Ranch area's growing season degree day total is 
similar to that of the other six proposed Lodi viticultural areas, its 
annual mean temperature of 60.4 degrees Fahrenheit is slightly warmer 
than the other six proposed areas, with the exception of the 
Sloughhouse area to its north. Annual rainfall in the Borden Ranch area 
is 20 inches, which is less than the 23 inches of the Sloughhouse area 
to the north, the petition states, with the other proposed Lodi 
viticultural areas averaging as low as 14 inches of annual rainfall.

Clements Hills

    Located in northern San Joaquin County, the proposed Clements Hills 
viticultural area occupies much of the southeastern portion of the 
established Lodi viticultural area, approximately 41 miles southeast of 
Sacramento and 13 miles east of the city of Lodi. Covering 85,400 
acres, of which approximately 16,000 acres are planted to grapes, the 
LAVA Steering Committee petition states that the proposed Clements 
Hills viticultural area is a hilly transitional region between the low, 
flat San Joaquin Valley floor to the west and the progressively higher 
Sierra Foothills to the east. The petition adds that the proposed 
area's high elevation river terraces and rounded hilltops distinguish 
it from surrounding grape-growing regions.
    Below, we summarize the evidence presented in the Clements Hills 
petition.

Name Evidence

    The small town of Clements is located in the northern portion of 
the proposed Clements Hills viticultural area and is shown on the USGS 
Clements map and on California highway maps. According to the petition, 
Thomas Clements, who had settled in the region in 1857, donated 25 
acres of land in 1882 to develop the town as a stop on the San Joaquin 
and Sierra Nevada Railroad. Named for its benefactor, the town served 
as a shipping point for the region's grain, wool, hops, fruit, and 
other agricultural commodities.
    The proposed ``Clements Hills'' viticultural area name combines the 
town's name with a reference to the proposed area's hilly terrain. 
Local residents, realtors, and members of the wine industry, the 
petition states, commonly use the Clements Hills name to refer to the 
land within the proposed area's boundaries. For example, realtor Tad 
Platt states that while marketing materials formerly referred to the 
``rolling hills of Clement,'' the area has become better known simply 
as ``Clements Hills'' in recent years. Farmer Wesley Breitchenbucher 
and businessman Jeff Myers, whose families have lived in the Clements 
area for generations, also indicate that the proposed area is known as 
Clements Hills, according to the petition. The petition quotes Mr. 
Myers as stating that ``the red, shallow soils of the Clements Hills'' 
has attracted many vineyards and ranchette developments in the past 
decade. In addition, the petition notes the use of the Clements Hills 
name on the label of Vino Con Brio's 2001 Sangiovese wine.

Boundary Evidence

    The high elevation river terraces and hills formed by the Mokelumne 
River, along with the region's older soils, distinguish the proposed 
Clements Hills area from surrounding areas, according to the petition. 
The Clements Hills area's proposed northern boundary, along Liberty 
Road, approximates the northern edge of the higher and older Mokelumne 
River terraces, the petition explains. The petition adds that, north of 
the proposed boundary, elevations decrease in the proposed Borden Ranch 
viticultural area due to the more eroded land found in the vicinity of 
Dry Creek.
    The Clements Hills proposed eastern boundary follows the San 
Joaquin County line, separating the proposed area from the more 
mountainous Amador, Calaveras, and Stanislaus Counties. These county 
lines, according to the petition, mark the transition from the rolling 
hills of the Clements Hills region to the Sierra Foothills more 
mountainous environment.
    The Clements Hills proposed southern boundary line follows the 
Calaveras River as it meanders west from the Sierra Foothills to the 
San Joaquin Valley. To the north of the Calaveras River, within the 
proposed area's boundaries, the terrain is made up primarily of hills 
from older Mokelumne River deposits, the petition explains. Also, the 
petition states, the Calaveras River's alluvial terrace and

[[Page 47745]]

fan deposits become progressively younger as one moves south from the 
proposed area's southern boundary.
    The Clements Hills proposed western boundary is along Jack Tone and 
Elliott roads. To the east of these roads within the proposed area, the 
petition explains, the terrain consists primarily of hilly deposits 
from the older alluvial terraces and fans. The petition adds that to 
the west of Jack Tone and Elliott roads beyond the Clements Hills area, 
the hilly terrain gives way to younger, sandier, and lower alluvial fan 
formations and eventually the flat San Joaquin valley floor.

Distinguishing Features

Topography
    The proposed Clements Hills viticultural area is located between 
the flat, low elevations of the San Joaquin Valley floor to its west 
and the higher Sierra Foothills elevations to its east, according to 
the petition. Elevations within the proposed boundary area increase 
from a low of 90 feet on its western, San Joaquin Valley side to 
greater than 400 feet high at its eastern boundary line, according to 
the provided USGS maps. The petition also notes that the hilltops 
within the Clements Hills proposed viticultural area are distinctively 
convex and rounded. The Clements Hills, the petition states, contrast 
with the flat valley terrain to the west, the flat hilltops of the 
proposed Borden Ranch viticultural area to the north, and the more 
mountainous environment of the Sierras. Through time and weather, the 
petition adds, the bluffs and terraces of the Mokelumne River have 
become smooth topped, rolling hills that extend toward the proposed 
Clements Hills area's southern boundary at the Calaveras River.
Soils
    The petition explains that the soils found within the proposed 
Clements Hills proposed viticultural area are old and primarily 
classified as Haploxerailfs, Durixeralfs, and Palexeralfs. These brown, 
red and yellow loams, clay loams, and clays, the petition states, 
principally belong to the Redding, Cometa, Yellowlark, and Montpellier 
soil series. Also, the petition notes, these low vigor soils have 
higher water holding capacities than the stony soils to the north in 
the proposed Borden Ranch viticultural area, but less than the loamy 
soils to the west in the proposed Mokelumne River area. Using a scale 
of 0 to 100, with 0 most unsuitable for agriculture and 100 most 
suitable, the Storie Index rates the soils in the proposed Clements 
Hills viticultural area at between 15 and 30, according to the 
petition.
Climate
    Using data from the Lodi, Sacramento, Folsom, Stockton, and Camp 
Pardee weather stations, which are located close to the proposed 
Clements Hills viticultural area, the petition states that the proposed 
Clements Hills viticultural area is warmer and wetter than the regions 
to its west. While the mean annual temperature of the proposed Clements 
Hills viticultural area is 60.5 degrees Fahrenheit, which is similar to 
the other proposed Lodi viticultural areas, the Clements Hills area 
growing season annual degree-day total is approximately 100 degree days 
more than the proposed Mokelumne River and Jahant viticultural areas to 
the west, according to the petition.
    The petition notes that fog is less frequent in the proposed 
Clements Hills viticultural area than in lower elevation, San Joaquin 
valley floor areas to its west and, therefore, the proposed area 
receives more hours of warming sunshine. Reduced winds also help warm 
the proposed Clements Hills area, according the petition. Although the 
proposed area receives consistent Sacramento Delta breezes, the hilly 
terrain of the proposed Clements Hills area, the petition notes, 
reduces the marine wind speed and movement across the proposed area. 
Air drainage from the higher slopes to the east, the petition adds, 
reduces frost occurrences in the proposed viticultural area as well.
    Rainfall in the proposed Clements Hills viticultural area averages 
21 to 22 inches annually, according to the petition, which is more than 
the lower elevation Jahant and Mokelumne River areas to its west and 
the Borden Ranch area to its north receive. The petition explains that 
the proposed Clements Hills area's hilly topography and its location 
just west of the Sierra Mountains bring more rain to the area since 
these higher elevations cause moisture-laden Pacific air to rise, 
forcing the air's moisture to condense and fall to the ground.

Cosumnes River

    The proposed Cosumnes River viticultural area is in the 
northwestern portion of the existing Lodi viticultural area, 
approximately 20 miles south of the city of Sacramento and 14 miles 
north of the city of Lodi. Approximately 3,000 acres of the 54,700 
acres within the proposed Cosumnes River viticultural area are 
currently planted to grapes, according to the petition. The climate of 
the proposed viticultural area, most notably a relatively cool and 
windy growing season, as well as its young, alluvial soils and low-
elevation terrain distinguish the proposed area from surrounding areas, 
according to the petition.
    Below, we summarize the evidence presented in the Cosumnes River 
petition.

Name Evidence

    The May 2001 California State Automobile Association ``Central 
California'' map shows the Cosumnes River from its headwaters in the 
Sierra Range to its confluence with the Mokelumne River between Walnut 
Grove and Thornton, California. The lower portion of the river flows 
through the proposed Cosumnes River viticultural area. The USGS 
quadrangle maps for Bruceville, Elk Grove, and Galt, California, which 
are used to define portions of the proposed Cosumnes River viticultural 
area boundary, identify the Cosumnes River and show its northeast-to-
southwest path through the proposed area. The LAVA Committee considered 
using the ``Upper Cosumnes'' and ``Lower Cosumnes'' names for the 
proposed ``Sloughhouse'' and ``Cosumnes River'' viticultural areas, 
respectively, but believes the proposed name choices are more 
appropriate.
    As noted in the petition, the Cosumnes River name is associated 
with other places within the proposed viticultural area. For example, 
the Cosumnes River Preserve, located between Interstate Highways 5 and 
State Route 99 in southern Sacramento County, is also prominently shown 
on the California State Automobile Association's Central California 
map. The petition explains that this Nature Conservancy preserve, a 
1,450-acre protected natural area and wildlife habitat, is in the heart 
of the proposed Cosumnes River viticultural area. Also, Cosumnes River 
College is located in the suburbs of Sacramento, just north of the 
proposed area's northern boundary.
    Historically, the petition explains, the name ``Cosumnes'' comes 
from the Native American Miwok people's term for ``salmon people.'' The 
petition adds that an alternative Miwok translation is ``the place of 
the koso berry.'' John Sutter, an early settler, provides an 1841 
written reference to the term ``Cosumnes River,'' the petition states, 
and 1845 and 1848 maps by John Fremont label this waterway as the 
``Cosumnes River.'' The March 1, 1851, edition of the Stockton Times, 
in describing the region, states: ``Some of the earlier settlements 
made in this country were along the Cosumnes''.

[[Page 47746]]

Boundary Evidence

    The existing Lodi viticultural area boundary marks the limits of 
the proposed Cosumnes River viticultural area to the north and west. To 
the east, the proposed Cosumnes River viticultural area shares a 
boundary with the proposed Alta Mesa viticultural area, and, to the 
south, with the proposed Jahant and Mokelumne River viticultural areas. 
A portion of the Mokelumne River marks the proposed area's southern 
boundary line.
    The proposed Cosumnes River viticultural area lies south of the 
city of Sacramento and borders the west side of the town of Galt. The 
proposed area primarily produces white wine grape varietals, as 
compared to red grape varietals in areas to the east and a mixture of 
red and white grape varietals in areas to the south.

Distinguishing Features

    The relatively cool and windy growing season of the proposed 
Cosumnes River viticultural area, its young, alluvial soils, and its 
low-elevation terrain distinguish the proposed area from surrounding 
areas, according to the petition.
Topography
    The petition explains that the proposed Cosumnes River viticultural 
area topography includes wetlands, natural and artificial levees, 
sloughs, streams, and the Cosumnes River. In addition, the Mokelumne 
River marks a portion of the area's southern boundary. A large alluvial 
fan crosses the proposed Cosumnes River viticultural area and slopes 
towards its southwest corner.
    The low elevations found in the proposed Cosumnes River 
viticultural area distinguish it from the surrounding, higher-elevation 
areas, the petition states. At its southwestern corner, where the 
Cosumnes River joins the Mokelumne River, the elevation of the proposed 
Cosumnes River viticultural area dips to almost sea level. Elevations 
within the proposed area gradually rise to a high point of 48 feet at 
its southeast corner, according to the provided UGSS maps. In contrast, 
the petition notes, the proposed Alta Mesa viticultural area, to the 
east of the proposed Cosumnes River viticultural area, has elevations 
to 138 feet. To the south, the proposed Jahant viticultural area rises 
to 80 feet in elevation, and the proposed Mokelumne River viticultural 
area rises to 85 feet, according to the petition.
Soils
    The proposed Cosumnes River viticultural area, the petition 
explains, is dominated by young, alluvial soils that distinguish it 
from the surrounding areas. The petition notes that 60 percent of the 
agricultural land within the proposed area is covered by a series of 
younger alluvial and organic soils, Xerothents and Histosols. These 
younger soils, the petition continues, predominate in the lower areas, 
including the floodplains, sloughs, and wetlands, and around the 
Cosumnes River and its tributaries along the western side of the 
proposed viticultural area. The intermediate-age, deep reddish, 
gravelly clay loam soils of the San Joaquin series cover the remaining 
40 percent of the agricultural land within the proposed Cosumnes River 
viticultural area, according to the petition. These soils, classified 
as Abruptic Durixeralfs, have good water-holding capacity and moderate 
fertility.
    To the east of the proposed Cosumnes River viticultural area, the 
proposed Alta Mesa viticultural area soils are of intermediate age, and 
about 90 percent of its soils are from the San Joaquin series, 
according to the petition. To the south, the proposed Jahant and 
Mokelumne River viticultural areas have a combination of young and 
intermediate in age soils. According to the petition, the Storie Index, 
which rates soils from 0 to 100 points for potential agricultural use, 
places the Cosumnes River soils at between 24 and 40 points for 
suitability.
Climate
    The petition provides statistics and data from the Lodi, 
Sacramento, and Folsom weather stations, which are close to the 
proposed Cosumnes River viticultural area. Overall, according to the 
petition, the proposed Cosumnes River viticultural area has a cool and 
breezy climate.
    The proposed Cosumnes River viticultural area has a mean annual 
growing season temperature of approximately 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 
intermediate level winds, the petition explains. The surrounding areas 
to the north and east are warmer and have less wind than the proposed 
Cosumnes River viticultural area, according to the petition. Also, to 
the south, the proposed Jahant and Mokelumne River viticultural areas 
are cooler and have stronger marine winds. The petition adds that the 
Pacific Ocean's cooling breezes funnel eastward through San Francisco's 
Golden Gate, the Carquinez Strait, and the Sacramento Delta to reach 
the Lodi area. These marine breezes cool the Lodi area's lower 
elevations, including the Cosumnes River floodplain and the areas to 
the river's south. The intensity and effect of these cooling winds, 
according to the petition, dissipate as they continue eastward over the 
proposed Cosumnes River viticultural area to the proposed Alta Mesa and 
Sloughhouse viticultural areas.
    The petition states that maritime and inland fog is persistent in 
the low elevations of the proposed Cosumnes River viticultural area. 
This fog cools the proposed viticultural area more than the surrounding 
areas, which are less influenced by the maritime winds. The annual 
precipitation within the proposed Cosumnes area is 17.4 inches, 
according to the petition, which is more than the low elevation areas 
to its immediate south, but less than the high elevation regions to the 
north and east of the proposed viticultural area's boundaries.

Jahant

    The proposed Jahant viticultural area is located in the center of 
the existing Lodi viticultural area, about 29 miles south of the city 
of Sacramento and 7 miles north of the city of Lodi. Currently, 
approximately 8,000 acres of the 28,000 acres within the proposed 
Jahant viticultural area are planted to grapes, according to the 
petition. The pink Jahant loam soil found in the proposed viticultural 
area is its most distinguishing characteristic, according to the 
petition, giving the Jahant area a unique grape-growing environment. 
Also, the petition notes that the proposed Jahant viticultural area's 
climate is cooler, dryer, and windier than most of the other proposed 
viticultural areas discussed in this notice. The petition adds that the 
terrain within the proposed Jahant viticultural area is noted for its 
river terraces and old floodplain deposits.
    Below, we summarize the evidence presented in the Jahant petition.

Name Evidence

    The ``Jahant'' name is associated with the central portion of the 
established Lodi viticultural area in southern Sacramento and northern 
San Joaquin Counties, according to the petition. The name comes from 
Peter Jahant and several of his brothers, all 1850s settlers to the 
area, the petition states. The Jahant family settled and successfully 
farmed in the Acampo area of the Lodi region, and, in 1912, Peter 
Jahant's son Charles planted 130 acres to grapes on the original family 
farm and on additional purchased land.
    Jahant Slough and Jahant Road, a light-duty, east-west road, are 
shown on the Lodi North and Lockeford USGS maps, in the approximate 
center of the proposed Jahant viticultural area. Also, Jahant Road is 
shown in sections B-4,

[[Page 47747]]

B-5, C-5, and C-6 of the Gold Country map, published in April 2002 by 
the California State Automobile Association. The Jahant Equestrian 
Center is on Jahant Road, and some area vineyards use Jahant in their 
names, according to the petition.

Boundary Evidence

    The petition states that the unique pink Rocklin-Jahant loam soils 
found within the proposed Jahant viticultural area and the deep 
dissections through river deposits left by flooding within the past 
20,000 years distinguish the proposed Jahant area from the surrounding 
proposed viticultural areas. To the south, the proposed Mokelumne River 
viticultural area has predominantly young, light colored sandy soils, 
the petition notes, while to the north, the proposed Alta Mesa 
viticultural area has predominantly intermediate age red soils. The 
petition states that the boundaries of the proposed Jahant viticultural 
area encompass the extent of the Jahant soils.
    The petition also explains that dissected river terraces and old 
floodplain deposits, located between Dry Creek and the Mokelumne River, 
distinguish the proposed Jahant area from the surrounding areas. Dry 
Creek is part of the northern boundary of the proposed Jahant 
viticultural area, and the creek flows through its northwest section. 
The Mokelumne River forms the western boundary of the proposed Jahant 
area, close to where it joins with the Cosumnes River, according to the 
provided USGS maps.

Distinguishing Features

Topography
    Elevations in the proposed Jahant viticultural area vary from about 
10 feet to 100 feet, according to USGS maps of the area. Also, these 
elevations rise from the west to the east, increasing toward the Sierra 
Range. The proposed viticultural area, the petition explains, is dotted 
with small lakes, sloughs, rivers on the north and west sides, the 
larger Tracy Lake to the east, and a gas field in the southeast corner. 
The contours of the area, predominantly river terraces and old, eroded 
floodplain deposits, the petition continues, have developed from the 
actions of Dry Creek and the Mokelumne River.
Soils
    The proposed Jahant viticultural area, located primarily between 
Dry Creek and the Mokelumne River, has distinctive pink Rocklin-Jahant 
soils that are principally sandy loams and sandy clay loams with 
massive structure, thickness, and hardened depth, the petition 
explains. The soils are classified as Mollic Pelexeralfs. These old 
soils, the petition continues, have younger sandy surfaces and are 
generally different in structure, thickness, and depth from the San 
Joaquin deep reddish, gravelly clay loam soils found north of the 
proposed Jahant viticultural area. To the south, the petition states, 
the light sandy loam Tokay and Acampo soils are young, deep and well 
drained, tend to be granular and crumbly, and of a fine texture without 
gravel, in contrast to the Jahant soils.
Climate
    The petition provides statistics and data from the Lodi, 
Sacramento, Folsom, Camp Pardee, and Stockton weather stations, which 
are close to the proposed Cosumnes River viticultural area. The 
proposed Jahant viticultural area, the petition comments, has cool 
climatic characteristics similar to those of the proposed Mokelumne 
River viticultural area to the south. Both regions, according to the 
petition, receive the Pacific marine breezes that funnel east from the 
San Francisco Golden Gate, through the Carquinez Straights, the 
Sacramento Delta, and into the Lodi area. The petition also notes the 
cooling effect of persistent valley and coastal fog within the proposed 
boundaries.
    The winds in the proposed Jahant viticultural area are of high 
intensity and prolonged duration, similar to those of the proposed 
Mokelumne River viticultural area to the south, the petition states. In 
contrast, to the north and northeast of the proposed Jahant area, the 
proposed Alta Mesa and Sloughhouse viticultural areas have less wind 
intensity and warmer temperatures, according to the petition.
    The mean annual temperature of the proposed Jahant viticultural 
area is 60.1 degrees Fahrenheit, which is lower than the majority of 
other proposed viticultural areas discussed in this notice, according 
to the petition. Also, the growing season degree-day annual totals are 
between 100 and 400 degree days lower than other parts of the Lodi 
region, except for the proposed Mokelumne River viticultural area to 
the immediate south. Finally, the Jahant area's annual rainfall is 18.0 
inches, which is less than rainfall totals in the other areas of the 
Lodi region with the exception of proposed Mokelumne River viticultural 
area.

Mokelumne River

    The proposed Mokelumne River viticultural area is in northern San 
Joaquin County in the southwestern portion of the existing Lodi 
viticultural area. According to the petition, the proposed Mokelumne 
River viticultural area covers 85,700 acres, of which approximately 
42,000 acres are vineyards. The young alluvial fan created by the 
Mokelumne River distinguishes the proposed Mokelumne River viticultural 
area from the surrounding areas, the petition states. In addition, the 
distinctively breezy climate of this proposed viticultural area is the 
coolest within the original Lodi viticultural area, according to the 
petition.
    Below, we summarize the evidence presented in the Mokelumne River 
petition.

Name Evidence

    Historically, the ``Mokelumne'' name is derived from the Miwok 
Indians and has been translated as ``the place of the fish net,'' 
according to the petition. Known earlier as the Rio Mokellemos, the 
present spelling of Mokelumne was set in 1848 by John C. Fremont, as 
documented in the ``California Place Names,'' by Erwin Gudde, published 
in 1960 by the University of California Press.
    The Mokelumne River, which flows west from the Sierras into the San 
Joaquin Valley, is shown on a number of USGS maps, including the 
Lockeford, Lodi North, Bruceville, Thornton, Clements, and Wallace 
maps. Other maps also show the river, including the Gold Country map 
published by the California State Automobile Association in April 2002.

Boundary Evidence

    The petition explains that the ``classic, young'' alluvial fan of 
the Mokelumne River extends east-to-west through the proposed Mokelumne 
River viticultural area. Given its distinctive geology and topography, 
the river's alluvial fan contrasts with the geology and topography of 
the other proposed viticultural areas discussed in this notice and the 
areas beyond. According to the petition, east of Jack Tone Road, beyond 
the proposed Mokelumne River viticultural area boundary line, are the 
older terrace deposits of the proposed Clements Hills viticultural 
area, while south of the proposed boundary, toward Linden and 
Farmington, the coarse deposits of the Calaveras River alluvial fan 
contrast with the sandy loam of the proposed Mokelumne River 
viticultural area. To the west of Interstate 5, and beyond the original 
Lodi viticultural area western boundary line, very young organic and 
inorganic soils dominate the Sacramento Delta region, according

[[Page 47748]]

to the petition. To the north of the proposed Mokelumne River area 
boundary line are the older river deposits that distinguish the Jahant 
region.

Distinguishing Features

Topography
    The Mokelumne River meanders through the northern portion of the 
proposed Mokelumne River viticultural area, while creeks, sloughs, a 
canal, and an aqueduct run through its interior. Also, the city of Lodi 
is located on the south bank of the Mokelumne River in the approximate 
center of the proposed viticultural area.
    The topography of the proposed Mokelumne River viticultural area is 
dominated by a relatively young alluvial fan over an intermediate age 
fan, according to the petition. To the east, the fan joins with the 
older Mokelumne River terrace deposits along Jack Tone Road, which 
serves as part of the boundary line for proposed viticultural area, the 
petition notes. The Mokelumne River alluvial fan extends from the 
higher eastern elevations of the Clements region to the lower 
elevations along Interstate 5 and Eight Mile Road to the southwest, 
according to the provided USGS maps and the petition. The USGS maps of 
the proposed Mokelumne River viticultural area show elevations sloping 
downward to the west from a high of 100 feet at the northeast corner of 
the proposed area to a low of 5 feet at its southwest corner.
Soils
    The petition explains that sandy loam Tokay and Acampo soils 
dominate the proposed Mokelumne River viticultural area. These soils 
are young, deep and drain well, according to the petition. Also, the 
soils tend to be granular and crumbly, of a fine texture and without 
gravel. The sandy loams in the region, the petition describes, are 
generally between 6 and 12 feet in depth with low moisture holding 
capacity, especially in the western portion of the proposed area.
Climate
    The petition uses climate statistics and data from the Lodi weather 
station, which is located near the proposed Mokelumne River 
viticultural area. The climate of the proposed Mokelumne River 
viticultural area is the coolest within the existing Lodi viticultural 
area, the petition explains. The proposed Mokelumne River viticultural 
area, the petition continues, is the closest of the seven proposed Lodi 
viticultural areas to the Carquinez Straights that funnel Pacific Ocean 
breezes eastward from the Golden Gate, through the Sacramento Delta, to 
the Lodi area.
    The winds in the proposed Mokelumne River viticultural area are of 
high intensity and prolonged duration, blowing more than 70 percent of 
the time, the petition states. The winds lose little intensity as they 
cross the low elevations and flat terrain within the proposed 
boundaries, according to the petition.
    The mean annual temperature within the proposed Mokelumne 
viticultural area is 60.0 degrees Fahrenheit, which is lower than the 
other proposed viticultural areas discussed in this notice, according 
to the petition. Also, the growing season degree-day annual totals are 
between 50 and 450 degree days lower than those found in the other six 
proposed Lodi viticultural areas. Rainfall within the proposed 
Mokelumne River viticultural area is 17.57 inches, which is the lowest 
of the seven proposed viticultural areas discussed in this notice, the 
petition states.

Sloughhouse

    The proposed Sloughhouse viticultural area is located in southern 
Sacramento County, approximately 21 miles southeast of the city of 
Sacramento and 22 miles north of the city of Lodi. Located in the 
northeastern portion of the existing Lodi viticultural area, 
approximately 7,000 acres within the 78,800-acre proposed Sloughhouse 
viticultural area are currently planted to grapes, according to the 
petition.
    The petition states that warmer temperatures, more rain, less fog, 
higher elevations, and older soils distinguish the proposed Sloughhouse 
viticultural area from the other proposed viticultural areas discussed 
in this notice. The proposed Sloughhouse viticultural area, which is 
also adjacent to the established Sierra Foothills viticultural area (27 
CFR 9.120), has rolling plains and hilly terrain that transitions to 
the Sierra Foothills further east, according to the petition.
    Below, we summarize the evidence presented in the Sloughhouse 
petition.

Name Evidence

    The Sacramento Bee newspaper published an article on January 19, 
1998, detailing the history of the Sloughhouse region. In the 1850's 
the Sloughhouse Inn, which gave the region its name, was a popular 
stagecoach stop. According to the article, the building, rebuilt 
several times after fires, is a registered California historical 
landmark. Today, the Sloughhouse Inn is a restaurant. Modern usage of 
the Sloughhouse name, according to petition evidence, is also seen in 
the names of the Sloughhouse Resource Conservation District, the 
Sloughhouse Fire Protection District, and the Sloughhouse Area 
Genealogical Society.
    The USGS Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) database lists 
``Sloughhouse'' as a populated place in Sacramento County, California. 
The USGS Sloughhouse quadrangle map shows the hamlet of Sloughhouse 
along State Road 16 on the Township 7 and 8 North line, between Ranges 
6 and 7 East. Sloughhouse Road, a secondary road, is shown on the USGS 
Elk Grove and Sloughhouse maps within the proposed viticultural area 
boundary lines.

Boundary Evidence

    Warmer temperatures, less intense winds, more rainfall, and greater 
climatic variations distinguish the proposed Sloughhouse viticultural 
area from the surrounding areas within the Lodi region according to the 
petition. It adds that elevations within the proposed Sloughhouse 
viticultural area are generally higher and the soils older than the 
other surrounding proposed viticultural areas. The distinguishing 
Sloughhouse terrain and climatic characteristics, the petition 
explains, make this proposed viticultural area significantly different 
from the surrounding areas. Red varietals, including Cabernet 
Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Zinfandel, are popular in the 
Sloughhouse area as they can withstand drought and other climatic 
variations, the petition states.
    The proposed Sloughhouse area's outer boundaries follow a portion 
of the existing Lodi viticultural area northern and eastern boundary 
lines, and the proposed area abuts the established Sierra Foothills 
viticultural area western boundary line. The petition explains that the 
shared Lodi and Sierra Foothills viticultural areas boundary line, 
which coincides with the Amador County line, is the logical division 
between the valley and mountain environments.

Distinguishing Features

Topography
    The proposed Sloughhouse viticultural area, the petition states, 
has the most diverse terrain of the seven proposed viticultural areas 
discussed in this notice. Gently rolling hills, flat creek and river 
valleys, plains, and an alluvial fan characterize the proposed 
viticultural area, according to the petition.

[[Page 47749]]

    The proposed Sloughhouse viticultural area ranges in elevation from 
a low of 73 feet in its southwest region to a high of 590 feet in its 
northeast region, according to the provided USGS maps. The northeast 
region of Sloughhouse, which has the highest elevations in the proposed 
area, slopes upward and becomes the bedrock-based foothills of the 
Sierra Range, the petition notes. These higher elevations are similar 
to Borden Ranch to the south, but contrast with the proposed Alta Mesa 
viticultural area to the west with its lower elevations of between 35 
and 138 feet.
    Three significant waterways, the Cosumnes River and its Deer Creek 
and Laguna tributaries flow west from the Sierra Foothills through the 
proposed Sloughhouse viticultural area. Deer Creek constitutes the 
northeastern boundary line of the proposed viticultural area, as noted 
in the petition's boundary description. Deer Creek, according to USGS 
maps, then meanders southwesterly through the interior of the proposed 
Sloughhouse area. The Cosumnes River runs roughly parallel to Deer 
Creek and through the approximate middle of the proposed Sloughhouse 
viticultural area. Deer Creek eventually joins the Cosumnes River to 
the west of the proposed viticultural area. The Laguna forms the south 
boundary line for the proposed Sloughhouse viticultural area and joins 
the Cosumnes River and Deer Creek to the west of the proposed area.
Soils
    The petition notes that the predominant soils in the western 
portion of the proposed Sloughhouse viticultural area are found on an 
older alluvial fan. Classified as Durixeralfs and Haploxeralfs, the 
soils series found there include a complex of Redding, Corning, Pentz, 
and Hadlesville soils, which are generally of low vigor. Older soils, 
including patches of significantly older soils, are found in the higher 
eastern elevations of the proposed viticultural area. These older soils 
formed from sedimentary, metamorphic, and volcanic rock, including 
Sierra basement granite. Also, the Cosumnes River, Deer Creek, and the 
Laguna have left older river deposits within the proposed Sloughhouse 
viticultural area, according to the petition.
Climate
    The petition uses statistics and data from the Lodi, Sacramento and 
especially the Folsom weather stations, located close to the proposed 
Sloughhouse viticultural area. The petition explains that the proposed 
Sloughhouse viticultural area has a climate distinguishable from the 
surrounding proposed viticultural areas due to its combination of warm 
growing season temperatures and heavy winter rains.
    The Sloughhouse area, at 61.6 mean annual degrees Fahrenheit, is 
the warmest of the seven proposed viticultural areas within the 
established Lodi viticultural area, the petition states. The average 
growing season degree-day total of the Sloughhouse area, according to 
the petition, is more than 200 total degree days higher than the Alta 
Mesa area to the immediate west and 300 total degree days higher than 
the cooler Borden Ranch and Clements Hills areas to the south.
    The proposed Sloughhouse viticultural area, the petition claims, 
has little marine sea breeze influence as compared to other proposed 
viticultural areas to the west, which are closer to the Sacramento 
Delta. Also, the Alta Mesa ``table-top'' landform, to the immediate 
west, acts as a buffer between the west-to-east marine breezes and the 
proposed Sloughhouse area.
    The proposed Sloughhouse viticultural area receives more rain, 23-
inches annually according to petition documentation, than the other 
proposed viticultural areas discussed in this notice. The petition 
states that to the west of the proposed Sloughhouse area, the proposed 
Alta Mesa viticultural area averages 18.5 inches annual rainfall, and, 
to the south, the proposed Borden Ranch viticultural area averages 20 
inches annual rainfall. Also, other proposed viticultural areas 
discussed in this notice average as low as 14 inches of annual 
rainfall, the petition notes.
    In addition, fog is less frequent in the proposed Sloughhouse 
viticultural area than in the adjacent lower elevation and cooler 
proposed Alta Mesa viticultural area to the west, the petition states. 
The upland environment, with less cooling marine influence and warmer 
temperatures, discourages the formation of fog.

Boundary Description

    See the narrative boundary descriptions of the seven petitioned-for 
viticultural areas in the proposed regulatory texts published at the 
end of this notice.

Maps

    The petitioner provided the required maps for the proposed seven 
viticultural areas, and we list them below in the appropriate proposed 
regulatory texts below.

Impact on Current Wine Labels

    Part 4 of the TTB regulations prohibits any label reference on a 
wine that indicates or implies an origin other than the wine's true 
place of origin. If we establish the proposed ``Jahant'' or 
``Sloughhouse'' viticultural areas, the name in question will be 
recognized as a name of viticultural significance. If we establish the 
proposed ``Alta Mesa,'' ``Borden Ranch,'' or ``Clements Hills,'' 
viticultural areas, the full name of the viticultural area in question 
will be recognized as a name of viticultural significance. On the other 
hand, we do not believe that any single part of these three proposed 
viticultural area names standing alone, such as ``Mesa,'' ``Borden,'' 
or ``Clements'' would have viticultural significance if we establish 
the viticultural area in question.
    If we establish the proposed ``Cosumnes River'' or ``Mokelumne 
River'' viticultural areas, the full name of the viticultural area in 
question will be recognized as a name of viticultural significance. In 
addition, with the establishment of the Cosumnes River or Mokelumne 
River viticultural areas, the name ``Cosumnes'' or the name 
``Mokelumne'' standing alone will be considered a term of viticultural 
significance because consumers and vintners could reasonably attribute 
the quality, reputation, or other characteristic of wine made from 
grapes grown in the proposed Cosumnes River or Mokelumne River 
viticultural area to the name Cosumnes or the name Mokelumne itself.
    We note in this regard that a review of the information contained 
in the Geographic Names Information System maintained by the USGS, and 
a general search of relevant Internet Web sites reveal that the 
``Cosumnes'' and ``Mokelumne'' names are not used in a variety of 
different geographic contexts throughout the United States but rather 
appear to apply in particular to the respective regions in California 
encompassed by the two proposed viticultural areas. See 27 CFR 
4.39(i)(3), which also provides that a name has viticultural 
significance when determined by a TTB officer.
    Therefore, the seven proposed 27 CFR part 9 section texts set forth 
in this notice specify, respectively, that ``Alta Mesa,'' ``Borden 
Ranch,'' ``Clements Hills,'' ``Cosumnes River'' and ``Cosumnes'' 
standing alone, ``Jahant,'' ``Mokelumne River'' and ``Mokelumne'' 
standing alone, and ``Sloughhouse'' are terms of viticultural 
significance for purposes of part 4 of the TTB regulations. 
Consequently, wine bottlers using any of those terms in a brand

[[Page 47750]]

name, including a trademark, or in another label reference as to the 
origin of the wine, will have to ensure that the product is eligible to 
use the name of the viticultural area in question as an appellation of 
origin.
    For a wine to be eligible to use as an appellation of origin, a 
viticultural area name or term specified as being viticulturally 
significant in part 9 of the TTB regulations, at least 85 percent of 
the grapes used to make the wine must have been grown within the area 
represented by that name or other term, and the wine must meet the 
other conditions listed in 27 CFR 4.25(e)(3). If the wine is not 
eligible to use as an appellation of origin, a viticultural area name 
or other viticulturally significant term that appears in the brand 
name, then the label is not in compliance and the bottler must change 
the brand name and obtain approval of a new label. Similarly, if the 
viticultural area name or other viticulturally significant term appears 
in another reference on the label in a misleading manner, the bottler 
would have to obtain approval of a new label. Accordingly, if a new 
label or a previously approved label uses one of the viticultural area 
names or other viticulturally significant terms identified above for a 
wine that does not meet the 85 percent standard, the new label will not 
be approved, and the previously approved label will be subject to 
revocation, once the viticultural area in question is approved.
    Different rules apply if a wine has a brand name containing a 
viticultural area name that was used as a brand name on a label 
approved before July 7, 1986. See 27 CFR 4.39(i)(2) for details.
    We also note that the establishment of any or all of these seven 
proposed viticultural areas will not affect the established Lodi 
viticultural area or approved labels using the ``Lodi'' name.

Public Participation

Comments Invited

    We invite comments from interested members of the public on whether 
we should establish any or all of the seven proposed viticultural areas 
within the existing Lodi viticultural area. We are also interested in 
receiving comments on the sufficiency and accuracy of the names, 
climactic, boundary, and other required information submitted in 
support of the petitions. Please provide any available specific 
information in support of your comments. Also, please identify the 
specific proposed viticultural area or areas that your comments 
concern.
    Because of the potential impact of the establishment of the seven 
proposed viticultural areas on brand labels that include the words 
``Alta Mesa,'' ``Borden Ranch,'' ``Clements Hills,'' ``Cosumnes River'' 
(or ``Cosumnes'' alone), ``Jahant,'' ``Mokelumne River'' (or 
``Mokelumne'' alone), or ``Sloughhouse,'' as discussed above under 
Impact on Current Wine Labels, we are particularly interested in 
comments regarding whether there will be a conflict between any of the 
proposed areas names and currently used brand names. If a commenter 
believes that a conflict will arise, the comment should describe the 
nature of that conflict, including any negative economic impact that 
approval of the proposed viticultural area in question will have on an 
existing viticultural enterprise. We are also interested in receiving 
suggestions for ways to avoid any conflicts, for example, by adopting 
modified or different names for the viticultural area.

Submitting Comments

    Please submit your comments by the closing date shown above in this 
notice. Your comments must include this notice number and your name and 
mailing address. In addition, please identify the specific proposed 
viticultural area or areas that your comments concern. Your comments 
must be legible and written in language acceptable for public 
disclosure. We do not acknowledge receipt of comments, and we consider 
all comments as originals. You may submit comments in one of five ways:
     Mail: You may send written comments to TTB at the address 
listed in the ADDRESSES section.
     Facsimile: You may submit comments by facsimile 
transmission to 202-927-8525. Faxed comments must--
    (1) Be on 8.5- by 11-inch paper;
    (2) Contain a legible, written signature; and
    (3) Be no more than five pages long. This limitation assures 
electronic access to our equipment. We will not accept faxed comments 
that exceed five pages.
     E-mail: You may e-mail comments to [email protected]. Comments 
transmitted by electronic mail must--
    (1) Contain your e-mail address;
    (2) Reference this notice number on the subject line; and
    (3) Be legible when printed on 8.5- by 11-inch paper.
     Online form: We provide a comment form with the online 
copy of this notice on our Web site at http://www.ttb.gov/alcohol/rules/index.htm. Select the ``Send comments via e-mail'' link under 
this notice number.
     Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: To submit comments to us via 
the Federal e-rulemaking portal, visit http://www.regulations.gov and 
follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    You may also write to the Administrator before the comment closing 
date to ask for a public hearing. The Administrator reserves the right 
to determine, in light of all circumstances, whether to hold a public 
hearing.

Confidentiality

    All submitted material is part of the public record and subject to 
disclosure. Do not enclose any material in your comments that you 
consider confidential or inappropriate for public disclosure.

Public Disclosure

    You may view copies of this notice, the petition, the appropriate 
maps, and any comments we receive by appointment at the TTB Library at 
1310 G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20220. You may also obtain copies at 
20 cents per 8.5- x 11-inch page. Contact our librarian at the above 
address or by telephone at 202-927-2400 to schedule an appointment or 
to request copies of comments.
    For your convenience, we will post this notice and any comments we 
receive on this proposal on the TTB Web site. We may omit voluminous 
attachments or material that we consider unsuitable for posting. In all 
cases, the full comment will be available in the TTB Library. To access 
the online copy of this notice and any submitted comments, visit http://www.ttb.gov/alcohol/rules/index.htm. Select the ``View Comments'' link 
under this notice number to view the posted comments.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    We certify that this proposed regulation, if adopted, would not 
have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small 
entities. The proposed regulation imposes no new reporting, 
recordkeeping, or other administrative requirement. Any benefit derived 
from the use of a viticultural area name would be the result of a 
proprietor's efforts and consumer acceptance of wines from that area. 
Therefore, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required.

Executive Order 12866

    This proposed rule is not a significant regulatory action as 
defined by Executive Order 12866, 58 FR 51735. Therefore, it requires 
no regulatory assessment.

[[Page 47751]]

Drafting Information

    N. A. Sutton and M.D. Hoover of the Regulations and Procedures 
Division drafted this notice.

List of Subjects in 27 CFR Part 9

    Wine.

Proposed Regulatory Amendment

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, we propose to amend 27 
CFR, chapter I, part 9, as follows:

PART 9--AMERICAN VITICULTURAL AREAS

    1. The authority citation for part 9 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 27 U.S.C. 205.

    2. Amend subpart C by adding Sec.  9.---- through Sec.  9.---- to 
read as follows:

Subpart C--American Viticultural Areas


Sec.  9.----  Alta Mesa.

    (a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this 
section is ``Alta Mesa''. For purposes of part 4 of this chapter, 
``Alta Mesa'' is a term of viticultural significance.
    (b) Approved maps. The seven USGS, 1:24,000 scale, topographic 
quadrangle maps used to determine the boundaries of the Alta Mesa 
viticultural area are titled--
    (1) North Lodi, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1976;
    (2) Galt, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1980;
    (3) Florin, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1980;
    (4) Elk Grove, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1979;
    (5) Sloughhouse, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1980, minor revision 
1993;
    (6) Clay, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1980, minor revision 1993; and
    (7) Lockeford, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1979, minor revision 
1993.
    (c) Boundary. The Alta Mesa viticultural area is located in 
Sacramento County, California, and is entirely within the Lodi 
viticultural area (27 CFR 9.107). The Alta Mesa viticultural area 
boundary is as follows:
    (1) The beginning point is on the Lodi North map at the 
intersection of Kost Road and the Southern Pacific railway, section 34, 
T5N, R6E. From this point, proceed north-northwest 8.7 miles along the 
Southern Pacific railway to its intersection with State Route 99 at 
McConnel, section 20, T6N, R6E (Galt Quadrangle), then
    (2) Proceed northwest 4.7 miles on State Route 99 to its 
intersection with Sheldon Road at the northern boundary of section 26, 
T7N, R5E (Florin Quadrangle); then
    (3) Proceed east 5.2 miles on Sheldon Road to its intersection with 
the Central California Traction railroad at the northern boundary of 
section 27, T7N, R6E (Elk Grove Quadrangle); then
    (4) Proceed southeast 3.85 miles along the Central California 
Traction railroad to Grant Line Road, then southwest on Grant Line Road 
to Wilton Road at the hamlet of Sheldon, and then continue southeast on 
Wilton Road to its intersection with Dillard Road, section 6, T6N, R7E 
(Elk Grove Quadrangle); then
    (5) Proceed northeast 2.6 miles on Dillard Road to its intersection 
with Lee Shorthorn Road, T7N, R7E (Sloughhouse Quadrangle); then
    (6) Proceed southeast 0.9 mile on Lee Shorthorn Road to its 
intersection with Tavernor Road, T7N, R7E (Sloughhouse Quadrangle); 
then
    (7) Proceed south 0.95 mile on Tavernor Road to its first 90 degree 
turn to the west (where two unimproved roads join Tavernor Road from 
the east and south), section 4, T6N, R7E (Sloughhouse Quadrangle); then
    (8) Continue due south 1 mile in a straight line to the line's 
intersection with the 105-foot contour line and an unimproved extension 
of Blake Road, section 9, T6N, R7E (Sloughhouse Quadrangle);
    (9) Proceed west 0.3 mile on the unimproved extension of Blake Road 
to its intersection with Tavernor Road, section 9, T6N, R7E 
(Sloughhouse Quadrangle); then
    (10) Proceed south 0.7 mile on Tavernor Road to the center of the 
loop at the end of the road, section 16, T6N, R7E (Sloughhouse 
Quadrangle); then
    (11) Proceed southwest in a straight line for 0.1 mile to the 
line's intersection with the east end of the landing strip shown in the 
northwest quadrant of section 16, T6N, R7E (Sloughhouse Quadrangle); 
then
    (12) Proceed west along the landing strip and a line extending from 
its western end to the line's intersection with Alta Mesa Road on the 
eastern boundary of section 17, T6N, R7E (Sloughhouse Quadrangle); then
    (13) Proceed south 6.1 miles on Alta Mesa Road, crossing State 
Route 104, to Alta Mesa Road's intersection with Borden Road at the 
southwest corner of section 9, T5N, R7E (Clay Quadrangle); then
    (14) Proceed east 1 mile on Borden Road to its intersection with 
Alabama Road at the southeast corner of section 9, T5N, R7E (Clay 
Quadrangle); then
    (15) Proceed south 2 miles on Alabama Road to its intersection with 
Simmerhorn Road at the southeast corner of section 21, T5N, R7E (Clay 
Quadrangle); then
    (16) Proceed east 2 miles on Simmerhorn Road to its intersection 
with Clay Station Road at the northeast corner of section 26, T5N, R7E 
(Clay Quadrangle); then
    (17) Proceed south 0.5 mile on Clay Station Road to its 
intersection with Dry Creek, section 26, T5N, R7E (Clay Quadrangle); 
then
    (18) Proceed west-southwest (downstream) 7.8 miles along Dry Creek, 
crossing over the northwest corner of the Lockeford map, and twice 
crossing over the southeast corner of the Galt map, to Dry Creek's 
intersection with Lincoln Way, section 35, T5N, R6E (Lodi North 
Quadrangle); then
    (19) Proceed northwest 0.1 mile on Lincoln Way to its intersection 
with Kost Road, section 35, T5N, R6E (Lodi North Quadrangle); and
    (20) Proceed west 0.3 mile on Kost Road and return to the beginning 
point at the intersection of Kost Road and the Southern Pacific 
railway, returning to the beginning point.


Sec.  9.----  Borden Ranch.

    (a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this 
section is ``Borden Ranch''. For purposes of part 4 of this chapter, 
``Borden Ranch'' is a term of viticultural significance.
    (b) Approved maps. The six USGS, 1:24,000 scale, topographic 
quadrangle maps used to determine the boundaries of the Borden Ranch 
viticultural area are titled--
    (1) Lockeford, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1979, minor revision 
1993;
    (2) Clay, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1980, minor revision 1993;
    (3) Sloughhouse, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1980, minor revision 
1993;
    (4) Carbondale, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1980, minor revision 
1993;
    (5) Goose Creek, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1980, minor revision 
1993; and
    (6) Clements, Calif., 1968, minor revision 1993.
    (c) Boundary. The Borden Ranch viticultural area is located in 
Sacramento and San Joaquin Counties, California, and is entirely within 
the Lodi viticultural area (27 CFR 9.107). The Borden Ranch 
viticultural area boundary is as follows:
    (1) The beginning point is on the Lockeford map at the intersection 
of Liberty Road and Elliott Road at the southwest corner of section 36, 
T5N, R7E. From the beginning point, proceed north 2 miles on Elliot 
Road, which becomes Clay Station Road upon crossing the Sacramento-San 
Joaquin

[[Page 47752]]

County line at Dry Creek, to Clay Station Road's intersection with 
Simmerhorn Road, at the southeast corner of section 23, T5N, R7E (Clay 
Quadrangle); then
    (2) Proceed west 2 miles on Simmerhorn Road to its intersection 
with Alabama Road at the southwest corner of section 22, T5N, R7E (Clay 
Quadrangle); then
    (3) Proceed north 2 miles on Alabama Road to its intersection with 
Borden Road at the northwest corner of section 15, T5N, R7E (Clay 
Quadrangle); then
    (4) Proceed west 1 mile on Borden Road to its intersection with 
Alta Mesa Road at the southwest corner of section 9, T5N, R7E (Clay 
Quadrangle); then
    (5) Proceed north 1.35 miles on Alta Mesa Road, crossing State 
Route 104, to Alta Mesa Road's intersection with the Laguna tributary 
along the western boundary line of section 4, T5N, R7E (Clay 
Quadrangle); then
    (6) Proceed easterly (upstream) about 16.5 miles along the 
meandering Laguna tributary, crossing over the southeast corner of the 
Sloughhouse map, to the Laguna's intersection with the Sacramento-
Amador County line, 0.75 mile south of the Ione Road, T6N, R9E 
(Carbondale Quadrangle); then
    (7) Proceed south and then southeast about 10.8 miles along the 
Sacramento-Amador and Sacramento-San Joaquin County lines, crossing 
over the Goose Creek map, to the County line's intersection with 
Liberty Road, section 32, T5N, R9E (Clements Quadrangle); and
    (8) Proceed west about 9.3 miles west along Liberty Road to its 
intersection with Elliott Road, returning to the beginning point.


Sec.  9.----  Clements Hills.

    (a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this 
section is ``Clements Hills''. For purposes of part 4 of this chapter, 
``Clements Hills'' is a term of viticultural significance.
    (b) Approved maps. The six USGS 1:24,000 scale, topographic 
quadrangle maps used to determine the boundaries of the Clements Hills 
viticultural area are titled--
    (1) Waterloo, Calif., 1968, photoinspected 1978;
    (2) Lockeford, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1979, minor revision 
1993;
    (3) Clements, Calif., 1968, minor revision 1993;
    (4) Wallace, Calif., 1962;
    (5) Valley Springs SW., Calif., 1962, photoinspected 1973; and
    (6) Linden, Calif., 1968, minor revision 1993.
    (c) Boundary. The Clements Hills viticultural area is located in 
San Joaquin County, California, and is entirely within the Lodi 
viticultural area (27 CFR 9.107). The Clements Hills viticultural areas 
boundary is as follows--
    (1) The beginning point is on the Waterloo map at the intersection 
of the Calaveras River and Jack Tone Road, section 31 west boundary 
line, T3N, R8E. From that point, proceed north 6.9 miles on Jack Tone 
Road to its intersection with Elliot Road in the village of Lockeford 
(where Jack Tone Road is known as E. Hammond Street for a short 
distance), section 30, T4N, R8E (Lockeford Quadrangle); then
    (2) Proceed northwest 5.4 miles on Elliott Road, crossing the 
Mokelumne River, to Elliott Road's intersection with Liberty Road at 
the northwest corner of section 1, T4N, R7E, (Lockeford Quadrangle); 
then
    (3) Proceed east 9.3 miles on Liberty Road to its junction with the 
San Joaquin-Amador County line, north of the Camanche Reservoir, 
section 32, T5N, R9E (Clements Quadrangle); then
    (4) Proceed south-southeast 13 miles along the San Joaquin-Amador 
and San Joaquin-Calaveras County lines, crossing over the Wallace map, 
to the County line's intersection with the Calaveras River, section 31, 
T3N, R10E (Valley Springs SW. Quadrangle); and
    (5) Proceed southwest (downstream) 14.2 miles along the Calaveras 
River, crossing over the Linden map, to the river's intersection with 
Jack Tone Road, returning to the beginning point.


Sec.  9.----  Cosumnes River.

    (a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this 
section is ``Cosumnes River''. For purposes of part 4 of this chapter, 
``Cosumnes River'' and ``Cosumnes'' are terms of viticultural 
significance.
    (b) Approved maps. The six USGS, 1:24,000 scale, topographic 
quadrangle maps used to determine the boundaries of the Cosumnes River 
viticultural area are titled--
    (1) Bruceville, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1980;
    (2) Florin, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1980;
    (3) Elk Grove, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1979;
    (4) Galt, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1980;
    (5) Lodi North, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1976; and
    (6) Thornton, Calif., 1978.
    (c) Boundary. The Cosumnes River viticultural area is located in 
Sacramento County, California, and is entirely within the Lodi 
viticultural area (27 CFR 9.107). The Cosumnes River viticultural area 
boundary is as follows--
    (1) The beginning point is on the Bruceville map at the 
intersection of the Mokelumne River and Interstate Highway 5, T5N, R5E. 
From that point, north 8.5 miles along Interstate 5 to its intersection 
with an unnamed light duty road, locally known to the west of Franklin 
as Hood-Franklin Road, section 18, T6N, R5E (Florin Quadrangle); then
    (2) Proceed east 1.2 miles straight on Hood-Franklin Road to its 
intersection with Franklin Boulevard in the village of Franklin, 
section 17, T6N, R5E (Florin Quadrangle); then
    (3) Proceed north 4.3 miles on Franklin Boulevard to its 
intersection with Sims Road on the west and Sheldon Road to the east at 
the northwest corner of section 28, T7N, R5E (Florin Quadrangle); then
    (4) Proceed east 2.4 miles on Sheldon Road to its intersection with 
State Route 99 at the northern boundary section 26, T7N, R5E (Florin 
Quadrangle); then
    (5) Then proceed south-southeast 6 miles on State Route 99, 
crossing over the Elk Grove map, to the road's intersection with the 
Southern Pacific railway line at McConnell, section 20, T6N, R6E (Galt 
Quadrangle); then
    (6) Proceed south-southeast 8.7 miles along the Southern Pacific 
railway line to its intersection with Kost Road, section 34, T5N, R6E 
(Lodi North Quadrangle); then
    (7) Proceed west and then north 3.8 miles on Kost Road to its 
intersection with New Hope Road, T5N, R6E (Lodi North Quadrangle); then
    (8) Proceed west then south 2.8 miles on New Hope Road to its 
intersection with the Mokelumne River and the Sacramento-San Joaquin 
County line, T5N, R5E (Thornton Quadrangle); and
    (9) Proceed northerly then westerly (downstream) for about 2.7 
miles along the meandering Mokelumne River to its intersection with 
Interstate 5, returning to the beginning point.


Sec.  9.----  Jahant.

    (a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this 
section is ``Jahant''. For purposes of part 4 of this chapter, 
``Jahant'' is a term of viticultural significance.
    (b) Approved maps. The five USGS, 1:24000 scale, topographic 
quadrangle maps used to determine the boundaries of the Jahant 
viticultural area are titled--
    (1) Lodi North, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1976;
    (2) Thornton, Calif., 1978;
    (3) Galt, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1980;
    (4) Lockeford, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1979; and
    (5) Clay, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1980, minor revision 1993.

[[Page 47753]]

    (c) Boundary. The Jahant viticultural area is located in Sacramento 
and San Joaquin Counties, California, and is entirely with the Lodi 
viticultural area (27 CFR 9.107). The Jahant viticultural area boundary 
is as follows--
    (1) The beginning point is on the Lodi North map at the 
intersection of Peltier Road and the Mokelumne River, section 16 south 
boundary line, T4N, R6E. From the beginning point, proceed westerly 
(downstream) 6.7 miles along the Mokelumne River to its intersection 
with New Hope Road, about 0.7 mile north of the village of Thornton, 
T5N, R5E (Thornton Quadrangle); then
    (2) Proceed north then east for 3 miles on New Hope Road to its 
intersection with Kost Road, T5N, R6E (Lodi North Quadrangle); then
    (3) Proceed south then east for 4.1 miles on Kost Road to its 
intersection with Lincoln Way, section 35, T5N, R6E (Lodi North 
Quadrangle); then
    (4) Proceed southeast 0.15 mile on Lincoln Way to its intersection 
with Dry Creek, section 35, T5N, R6E (Lodi North Quadrangle); then
    (5) Proceed easterly (upstream) 7 miles along Dry Creek, crossing 
twice over and back at the southeast corner of the Galt map, and then 
crossing over the northwest corner of the Lockeford map, to Dry Creek's 
intersection with Elliott Road, section 26, T5N, R7E (Clay Quadrangle); 
then
    (6) Proceed south 4.5 miles on Elliott Road to its intersection 
with Peltier Road at the southeast corner of section 14, T4N, R7E 
(Lockeford Quadrangle); and
    (7) Proceed west 8.3 miles on Peltier Road to its intersection with 
the Mokelumne River, returning to the beginning point.


Sec.  9.----  Mokelumne River.

    (a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this 
section is ``Mokelumne River''. For purposes of part 4 of this chapter, 
``Mokelumne River'' and ``Mokelumne'' are terms of viticultural 
significance.
    (b) Approved maps. The seven USGS, 1:24,000 scale, topographic 
quadrangle maps used to determine the boundaries of the Mokelumne River 
viticultural area are titled--
    (1) Lodi South, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1976;
    (2) Terminous, Calif., 1978, minor revision 1993;
    (3) Thornton, Calif., 1978;
    (4) Bruceville, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1980;
    (5) Lodi North, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1976;
    (6) Lockeford, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1979, minor revision 
1993; and
    (7) Waterloo, Calif., edition of 1968, photoinspected 1978.
    (c) Boundary. The Mokelumne River viticultural area is located in 
San Joaquin County, California, and is entirely within the Lodi 
viticultural area (27 CFR 9.107). The Mokelumne River viticultural area 
boundary is as follows--
    (1) The beginning point is on the Lodi South map at the 
intersection of Eightmile Road and Interstate 5, section 36 south 
boundary line, T3N, R5E. From the beginning point, proceed north-
northwest 14.7 miles on Interstate 5, crossing over the Terminous and 
Thornton maps, to the Interstate's intersection with the Mokelumne 
River, T5N, R6E (Bruceville Quadrangle); then
    (2) Proceed southeast (upstream) 5 miles along the meandering 
Mokelumne River to its intersection with Peltier Road, section 16, T4N, 
R6E (Lodi North Quadrangle); then
    (3) Proceed east 8.3 miles along Peltier Road to its intersection 
with Elliott Road at the northeast corner of section 23, T4N, R7E 
(Lockeford Quadrangle); then
    (4) Proceed south then southeast 2.3 miles on Elliott Road to its 
intersection with Jack Tone Road in the village of Lockeford (where 
Jack Tone Road is known as E. Hammond Street for a short distance), 
section 30, T4N, R8E (Lockeford Quadrangle); then
    (5) Proceed south 6.7 miles on Jack Tone Road to its intersection 
with the Calaveras River, section 36 east boundary line, T3N, R7E 
(Waterloo Quadrangle); then
    (6) Proceed southwesterly (downstream) 0.9 mile along the 
meandering Calaveras River to its intersection with Eightmile Road, 
section 36 south boundary line, T3N, R7E (Waterloo Quadrangle); and
    (7) Proceed west 8.6 miles on Eightmile Road to its intersection 
with Interstate 5, returning to the beginning point.


Sec.  9.----  Sloughhouse.

    (a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this 
section is ``Sloughhouse''. For purposes of part 4 of this chapter, 
``Sloughhouse'' is a term of viticultural significance.
    (b) Approved maps. The six USGS, 1:24,000 scale, topographic 
quadrangle maps used to determine the boundaries of the Sloughhouse 
viticultural area are titled--
    (1) Clay, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1980, minor revision 1993;
    (2) Sloughhouse, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1980, minor revision 
1993;
    (3) Elk Grove, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1979;
    (4) Buffalo Creek, Calif., 1967, photorevised 1980;
    (5) Folsom SE, Calif., 1954, photorevised 1980; and
    (6) Carbondale, Calif., 1968, photorevised 1980, minor revision 
1993.
    (c) Boundary. The Sloughhouse viticultural area is located in 
Sacramento County, California, and is entirely within the Lodi 
viticultural area (27 CFR 9.107). The Sloughhouse viticultural area 
boundary is as follows--
    (1) The beginning point is on the Clay map at the intersection of 
the Laguna estuary and Alta Mesa Road, on the western boundary of 
section 4, T5N, R7E. From the beginning point, proceed north 4.8 miles 
on Alta Mesa Road to the road's intersection with a line drawn due west 
from the western end of the landing strip shown in the northwestern 
quadrant of section 16, T6N, R7E (Sloughhouse Quadrangle); then
    (2) Proceed east 0.5 mile east to the eastern end of the landing 
strip, section 16, T6N, R7E (Sloughhouse Quadrangle); then
    (3) Proceed northeast in a straight line 0.1 mile to the center of 
the loop at the south end of Tavernor Road, section 16, T6N, R7E 
(Sloughhouse Quadrangle); then
    (4) Proceed north 0.75 mile on Tavernor Road to its intersection 
with Blake Road, section 9, T6N, R7E (Sloughhouse Quadrangle); then
    (5) Proceed east 0.5 mile on the unimproved extension of Blake Road 
to its intersection with the 105-foot elevation line, section 9, T6N, 
R7E (Sloughhouse Quadrangle); then
    (6) Proceed due north about 0.85 mile to the 90 degree turn in 
Tavernor Road and continue north about 0.9 mile on Tavernor Road to its 
intersection with Lee Shorthorn Road, T7N, R7E, (Sloughhouse 
Quadrangle); then
    (7) Proceed northwest 0.9 mile on Lee Shorthorn Road to 
intersection with Dillard Road, T7N, R7E (Sloughhouse Quadrangle); then
    (8) Proceed southwest about 2.6 miles on Dillard Road to its 
intersection with Wilton Road at the hamlet of Dillard, section 6, T6N, 
R7E (Elk Grove Quadrangle); then
    (9) Proceed northwest 3.1 miles on Wilton Road to its intersection 
with Grant Line Road at the hamlet of Sheldon, section 27, T7N, R6E 
(Elk Grove Quadrangle); then
    (10) Proceed northwest on Grant Line Road to its intersection with 
State Route 16 (Jackson Road), section 33, T8N, R7E (Buffalo Creek 
Quadrangle); then
    (11) Proceed east-southeast 1.6 miles on State Route 16 to its 
intersection with Deer Creek at BM 108 near

[[Page 47754]]

Sloughhouse, T8N, R7E (Sloughhouse Quadrangle); then
    (12) Proceed northeasterly (upstream) about 11 miles along the 
meandering Deer Creek, crossing over the southeast corner of the 
Buffalo Creek map, to the creek's intersection with the Sacramento-El 
Dorado County line, section 1, T8N, R8E (Folsom, S.E. Quadrangle); then
    (13) Proceed south-southeast followed by south for about 12.4 miles 
along the Sacramento-El Dorado and Sacramento-Amador County line to the 
County line's intersection with the Laguna estuary, 0.75 mile south of 
the Ione Road, T6N, R9E (Carbondale Quadrangle); and
    (14) Proceed westerly (downstream) 17.5 miles along the meandering 
Laguna, crossing over the Sloughhouse map, returning to the beginning 
point at the intersection of the Laguna estuary and Alta Mesa Road, 
section 4, T5N, R7E. (Clay Quadrangle).

    Signed: July 22, 2005.
John J. Manfreda,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 05-16132 Filed 8-12-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-31-P