[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 100 (Tuesday, May 24, 2011)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 30052-30059]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-12822]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau

27 CFR Part 9

[Docket No. TTB-2011-0006; Notice No. 119]
RIN 1513-AB81


Proposed Establishment of the Coombsville Viticultural Area 
(2010R-009P)

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 the 11,075-acre ``Coombsville'' viticultural area in Napa 
County, California. The proposed viticultural area lies within the Napa 
Valley viticultural area and the multicounty North Coast viticultural 
area. TTB designates viticultural areas to allow vintners to better 
describe the origin of their wines and to allow consumers to better 
identify wines they may purchase. TTB invites comments on this proposed 
addition to the TTB regulations.

DATES: TTB must receive your comments on or before July 25, 2011.

ADDRESSES: Please send your comments on this notice to one of the 
following addresses:
     http://www.regulations.gov (via the online comment form 
for this notice as posted within Docket No. TTB-2011-0006 at 
``Regulations.gov,'' the Federal e-rulemaking portal);
     U.S. Mail. Director, Regulations and Rulings Division, 
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, P.O. Box 14412, Washington, 
DC 20044-4412; or
     Hand delivery/courier in lieu of mail: Alcohol and Tobacco 
Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G Street, NW., Suite 200-E, Washington, DC 
20005.
    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.
    You may view copies of this notice, selected supporting materials, 
and any comments TTB receives about this proposal at http://www.regulations.gov within Docket No. TTB-2011-0006. A link to that 
docket is posted on the TTB Web site at http://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine_rulemaking.shtml under Notice No. 119. You also may view copies of this 
notice, all related petitions, maps or other supporting materials, and 
any comments TTB receives about this proposal by appointment at the TTB 
Information Resource Center, 1310 G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20220. 
Please call 202-453-2270 to make an appointment.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elisabeth C. Kann, Regulations and 
Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 1310 G St., 
NW., Room 200E, Washington, DC 20220; phone 202-453-2002.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background on Viticultural Areas

TTB Authority

    Section 105(e) of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act (FAA Act), 
27 U.S.C. 205(e), authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to prescribe 
regulations for the labeling of wine, distilled spirits, and malt 
beverages. The FAA Act provides that these regulations should, among 
other things, prohibit consumer deception and the use of misleading 
statements on labels, and ensure that labels provide the consumer with 
adequate information as to the identity and quality of the product. The 
Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) administers the 
regulations promulgated under the FAA Act.
    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) sets 
forth standards for the preparation and submission of petitions for the 
establishment or modification of American viticultural areas and lists 
the approved American 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 having distinguishing features as described in part 9 of 
the regulations and a name and a delineated boundary as established in 
part 9 of the regulations. These designations allow vintners and 
consumers to attribute a given quality, reputation, or other 
characteristic of a

[[Page 30053]]

wine made from grapes grown in an area to its geographic 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 9.12 of the TTB regulations prescribes 
standards for petitions for the establishment or modification of 
American viticultural areas. Such petitions must include the following:
     Evidence that the area within the viticultural area 
boundary is nationally or locally known by the viticultural area name 
specified in the petition;
     An explanation of the basis for defining the boundary of 
the viticultural area;
     A narrative description of the features of the 
viticultural area that affect viticulture, such as climate, geology, 
soils, physical features, and elevation, that make it distinctive and 
distinguish it from adjacent areas outside the viticultural area 
boundary;
     A copy of the appropriate United States Geological Survey 
(USGS) map(s) showing the location of the viticultural area, with the 
boundary of the viticultural area clearly drawn thereon; and
     A detailed narrative description of the viticultural area 
boundary based on USGS map markings.

Coombsville Petition

    TTB received a petition from Thomas Farella of Farella-Park 
Vineyards and Bradford Kitson, on behalf of the vintners and grape 
growers in the Coombsville region of Napa Valley, California, proposing 
the establishment of the Coombsville viticultural area in Napa County, 
California. The proposed viticultural area contains 11,075 acres, 1,360 
acres of which are in 26 commercial vineyards, according to the 
petition. The proposed viticultural area lies within the Napa Valley 
viticultural area (27 CFR 9.23) and the larger, multicounty North Coast 
viticultural area (27 CFR 9.30). The distinguishing features of the 
proposed Coombsville viticultural area include geology, geography, 
climate, and soils.
    TTB notes that the proposed Coombsville viticultural area adjoins 
or is located near four established viticultural areas: the Oak Knoll 
District of Napa Valley viticultural area (27 CFR 9.161) to the 
northwest and the Los Carneros viticultural area (27 CFR 9.32) to the 
southwest share portions of their boundary lines with that of the 
proposed Coombsville viticultural area, and the Wild Horse Valley 
viticultural area (27 CFR 9.124) to the east and the Solano County 
Green Valley viticultural area (27 CFR 9.44) to the southeast are close 
to, but do not touch, the eastern boundary line of the proposed 
Coombsville viticultural area.
    The petition states that four bonded wineries use the 
``Coombsville'' name on one or more of their wine labels: Bighorn 
Cellars, Laird Family Estate, Farella-Park Vineyards, and Monticello 
Cellars. All four wineries have advised TTB in writing that if the 
Coombsville viticultural area is established, they will be able to 
comply with the rule that, in the case of wine using the 
``Coombsville'' name on the label as an appellation of origin, at least 
85 percent of the wine must be produced from grapes grown within the 
boundary of the Coombsville viticultural area.

Previous Proposed Rulemaking

    Previously, a group of Napa Valley grape growers proposed the 
establishment of the 11,200-acre ``Tulocay'' American viticultural area 
in approximately the same area as the proposed Coombsville viticultural 
area. Consequently, TTB published Notice No. 68 in the Federal Register 
(71 FR 65432) on November 8, 2006, to propose the establishment of the 
Tulocay viticultural area. However, based on comments received in 
response to Notice No. 68, TTB published Notice No. 84 in the Federal 
Register (73 FR 34902) on June 19, 2008, withdrawing Notice No. 68 
because the evidence and other information available raised a 
substantial question as to whether there was a sufficient basis to 
conclude that the geographical area described in the petition was 
locally or nationally known as ``Tulocay'' and because consumer 
confusion could ensue if the term ``Tulocay,'' which for more than 30 
years was identified with a particular winery, would suddenly be 
attributed only to grapes grown from a geographical area.
    However, TTB did not preclude consideration of the current petition 
in Notice No. 84. In fact, TTB stated: ``* * * currently there is no 
petition requesting the establishment of a viticultural area in the 
subject area using a variation of Tulocay, such as Tulocay District, or 
any other name, such as Coombsville or Coombsville District. It is 
noted that these findings do not preclude future consideration of a 
petition, supported by sufficient name evidence, proposing the 
establishment of a viticultural area in the subject area using a name 
other than `Tulocay.''' Notice No. 84 further noted that some comments 
in response to Notice No. 68 expressed a preference for the name 
``Coombsville'' for the proposed viticultural area rather than the 
petitioned-for ``Tulocay'' name.
    TTB further notes that the eastern portion of the boundary line for 
the proposed Coombsville viticultural area differs from that of the 
proposed Tulocay viticultural area boundary line in order to keep the 
proposed Coombsville viticultural area within Napa County and the Napa 
Valley viticultural area. This boundary change results in a 125-acre 
reduction of the total area, from 11,200 acres for the previously 
proposed Tulocay viticultural area to 11,075 acres for the currently 
proposed Coombsville viticultural area.

Name Evidence for the Proposed Coombsville Viticultural Area

    The petition states that ``Coombsville'' is the commonly used name 
for an area that lies east of the City of Napa, California. In 
addition, the area east of the City of Napa is designated as 
``Coombsville'' on the Napa County Land Use Plan 2008-2030 map.
    The petition states that, as early as 1914, an unincorporated area 
of Napa County became commonly known as the ``Coombsville'' region 
named for Nathan Coombs, a prominent community leader and founder of 
the City of Napa. Mr. Coombs owned 2,525 acres of land on 3 parcels to 
the east of the Napa River, in the area now called ``Coombsville'' 
(``Official Map of the County of Napa,'' California, 1876).
    According to the petition, the original Coombsville Road, little 
more than an unnamed path, existed more than 120 years ago (``Map of 
Coombsville,'' survey map, W. A. Pierce, ``County Road from Napa to 
Green Valley,'' 1883). Currently, Napa city and county road signs 
identify Coombsville Road where the road intersects with Third Street 
and the Silverado Trail. Coombsville Road is entirely within the 
boundary line of the proposed Coombsville viticultural area (``Napa 
Valley,'' map, California State Automobile Association, May 2004), 
according to the petition.
    The petition states that the Coombsville region has always had a 
separate identity from the City of Napa. Early on, the City of Napa 
grew in increments, eventually ``swallowing up

[[Page 30054]]

the easterly suburb of Coombsville'' (``Napa Valley Heyday,'' Richard 
H. Dillon, The Book Club of California, 2004, page 119). The 
Coombsville region was also recognized as a farming area (``Napa, The 
Transformation of an American Town,'' Lauren Coodley and Paula Schmitt, 
Arcadia Publishing, 2007, page 61), according to the petition.
    The Coombsville region has become well known as an agricultural 
area through Napa County newspaper reports, according to the petition. 
For example, a newspaper report stated: ``A week ago, Patrick Sexton's 
backyard in Coombsville was a riotous place, with a gobble-gobble here, 
a gobble-gobble there, a gobble-gobble everywhere'' (``Napa High senior 
raises great gobblers,'' The Napa Valley Register, Nov. 27, 2008). That 
report further noted: ``Coombsville is still wild country. The birds 
are fully protected from the raccoons, dogs and occasional mountain 
lions'' (ibid.). Another report describes a downed power line that cut 
off electricity to 2,200 Coombsville residential customers overnight 
(``Lights out again in Coombsville area,'' op. cit., Sept. 3, 2008). A 
third report describes a political district including Coombsville, 
American Canyon, and part of [the City of] Napa (``Local ballot for 
June takes shape,'' op. cit., March 12, 2008), according to the 
petition.
    The petition states that the Napa County real estate industry 
recognizes the Coombsville region in its sale listings. Properties are 
described as ``situated in the prestigious and desirable Coombsville 
area,'' according to a realtor listing on July 7, 2009. A property 
described as ``Coombsville Area at Its Best!'' sold for $600,000 in 
2008, according to another realtor. The petition includes the following 
description of a proposed new housing development in the region: ``The 
project is off of Wyatt Road, on the frontier where the residences of 
east Napa meet the open space and rural feel of Coombsville'' (``No 
middle ground in Napa County,'' op. cit., Oct. 23, 2005). Fifty-five 
acres in the region purchased for real estate development is described 
in the petition as, ``* * * in the Coombsville area of Napa County, 
scrub-covered slopes at the south end of the valley * * *'' (``The Far 
Side of Eden--New Money, Old Land and the Battle for Napa Valley,'' 
James Conaway, Houghton Mifflin Company, 2002, page 50).
    The petition explains that ``Coombsville'' has national name 
recognition because of its renown as a wine region in Napa Valley. The 
following reports appeared in a wine enthusiast publication: ``Putting 
Coombsville on the map for Napa Cabernet'' (July 31, 2001), regarding a 
vintner who believes he can make one of the top cabernets in the Napa 
Valley region; ``Caldwell Vineyards'' (Nov. 15, 2002), regarding the 
first time that John Caldwell produced wine from a 60-acre Coombsville 
vineyard; ``Franciscan Buys Large Parcel of Napa Land'' (March 15, 
1999), describing a 160-acre property in the Coombsville region; and 
``James Laube Unfined--An Armchair Winery `Tour' with Philippe Melka'' 
(Aug. 10, 2007), detailing the acquisition of Coombsville-grown 
cabernet grapes to produce wine.
    The petition also states that the following reports on the 
Coombsville region appeared on AppellationAmerica.com: The Coombsville 
region is described as ``the hottest spot for grapes these days in the 
Napa Valley'' and it is circled on a map of the Napa Valley in ``Why 
Cool Coombsville is HOT'' (Oct. 8, 2008); and a 1995 acquisition of 20 
acres of vineyards in the Coombsville region is detailed in ``The 
Wonders of Mountain Terroir: Let Robert Craig Explain'' (Feb. 7, 2007).

Boundary Evidence

    The petition states that the history of grape-growing in the 
Coombsville region dates to 1870, when the Carbone family purchased a 
large land parcel on Coombsville Road (``Napa Valley Heyday,'' Richard 
H. Dillon, The Book Club of California, 2004, page 100). Around 1880, 
Antonio Carbone opened a winery (ibid.). The historic winery still 
exists and is now used as a private residence, the petition explains. 
The petition further states that modern vineyard plantings include: 
Farella-Park Vineyards; Stag's Leap Wine Cellars' Arcadia Vineyards; 
Far Niente Winery's Barrow Lane, Carpenter, and John's Creek Vineyards; 
Berlenbach Vineyards; and Richard Perry Vineyards.
    An aerial photograph of the Coombsville region, included in the 
petition, is described as ``a view of the `cup-and-saucer' area of 
Coombsville, east of the city of Napa'' (``The Winemaker's Dance--
Exploring Terroir in the Napa Valley,'' Jonathan Swinchatt and David G. 
Howell, University of California Press, 2004, page 59, figure 34).
    According to USGS maps submitted with the petition, the proposed 
Coombsville viticultural area is nestled in the southeastern region of 
the Napa Valley viticultural area, between the eastern shores of both 
the Napa River and Milliken Creek and the western ridgeline of the Vaca 
Range at the Solano County line. The west-facing, horseshoe-shaped 
southern tip of the Vaca Range encircles much of the proposed 
Coombsville viticultural area and defines parts of the northern, 
eastern, and southern portions of the boundary line, according to the 
petition, boundary description, and USGS maps.
    According to the boundary description in the petition, the eastern 
portion of the boundary line of the proposed Coombsville viticultural 
area incorporates straight lines between western peaks of the Vaca 
Range. The eastern portion of the boundary line corresponds in part to, 
but does not overlap, the western portions of the boundary lines of the 
Wild Horse Valley and Solano County Green Valley viticultural areas and 
stays within Napa County, according to the boundary description in the 
petition.
    As detailed in the boundary description in the petition, the 
southern portion of the boundary line of the proposed Coombsville 
viticultural area follows a straight southeast-to-northwest line from a 
map point in Kreuse Canyon to Imola Avenue, and then continues west on 
Imola Avenue to the Napa River.
    According to the petition, and as visible on the USGS maps, an 
east-west transverse ridge that climatically protects the Coombsville 
region from the full impact of the marine influence of the San Pablo 
Bay lies beyond the proposed southern portion of the boundary line. 
Commonly known as ``Suscol,'' ``Soscol,'' or ``Soscol Ridge,'' the 
ridge separates the Coombsville region from large portions of the Napa 
Valley flood plain's differing soils and broad slough topography. The 
petition states that the complex terrain of the ridge was difficult to 
use as a precise and reasonable southern portion of the boundary line 
for the proposed Coombsville viticultural area petition. Hence, a 
straight line between two map points and a portion of Imola Avenue was 
used to define the southern limits of the proposed Coombsville 
viticultural area. TTB believes that the straight line and Imola Avenue 
are a reasonable alternative for the proposed southern portion of the 
boundary line.
    According to the boundary description and the USGS Napa Quadrangle 
map, the western portion of the boundary line of the proposed 
Coombsville viticultural area relies on portions of the Napa River and 
Milliken Creek to connect Imola Avenue to the south with Monticello 
Road to the north. TTB notes that the southwest corner of the proposed 
viticultural area, at the intersection of Imola Avenue and the Napa 
River, touches but does not

[[Page 30055]]

overlap the eastern portion of the boundary line of the Los Carneros 
viticultural area.
    According to the boundary description, the northern portion of the 
boundary line of the proposed Coombsville viticultural area uses 
Monticello Road and a straight line from the road's intersection with 
the 400-foot contour line eastward to the peak of Mt. George. Much of 
the length of the proposed northern portion of the boundary line 
follows a ridge line from the Vaca Range along Milliken Creek, 
according to the USGS maps submitted with the petition. TTB notes that 
the northwest corner of the proposed viticultural area, at the 
intersection of Milliken Creek and Monticello Road, touches but does 
not overlap the southeast corner of the Oak Knoll District of Napa 
Valley viticultural area.

Distinguishing Features

Geology
    Citing a report entitled ``The Geologic Origin of the Coombsville 
Area,'' which is an exhibit to the petition, the petition describes the 
ancient volcanic and crustal uplift events in the geologic history of 
the Coombsville region (``The Geologic Origin of the Coombsville 
Area,'' EarthVision, Inc., May 2009). According to the petition and the 
above report, the initial geological event was the eruption and 
collapse of a volcano that was part of the Napa Valley-Sonoma volcanic 
series. This process created structural underpinnings for the curved 
architecture that characterizes the cup-and-saucer topography within 
the Coombsville region. The eastern part of the Coombsville area is 
bowl-shaped, reflecting the geologic structure from a caldera landform 
(ibid.), according to the petition.
    The petition states that the next important geologic process began 
when crustal forces started to uplift and wrinkle the earth crust in 
the Vaca Range. The uplift progressed from east to west through the 
Vaca Range. The latest expression of the westward advancing crustal 
compression is the down-dropped region of Napa Valley and the 
complementary up-thrown Mayacmas Mountains west of Napa Valley (ibid.).
    According to the above report, when the crustal uplift passed 
through the Coombsville region, the western front of the collapsed 
caldera slid westward as a large landslide into the valley below 
(ibid.). The ancient Napa River removed most of the Coombsville 
landslide debris from the Napa Valley (ibid.).
    The petition states that the earth surface materials that cover the 
proposed Coombsville viticultural area originated in a variety of ways. 
A thin coat of residual debris on volcanic bedrock covers the hills. 
Within the collapsed volcanic region, alluvial gravels of the Huichica 
Formation occur in the northern part and diatomaceous lake deposits 
occur along the northeast edge of the Coombsville bowl landform. The 
remainder of the surface material is a variety of alluvial deposits 
laid down since the ancient volcanic collapse (ibid.).
    The petition did not include data on the geology of the surrounding 
areas.
Geography
    As shown in the aerial photograph submitted with the petition, a 
horseshoe-shaped, elevated landform, part of the Vaca Range, is the 
most notable geographical characteristic of the proposed Coombsville 
viticultural area (``The Winemaker's Dance--Exploring Terroir in the 
Napa Valley''). The west-facing horseshoe comprises a ring of volcanic 
mountains, according to the petition.
    The petition states that gentle slopes and rolling terrain extend 
westward from the Vaca Range and the opening of the horseshoe to the 
Napa River and Milliken Creek, and that most viticultural activity 
occurs within this area.
    As shown in the aerial photograph referred to above, the elevated 
cup-and-saucer landform lies partially within the curvature of the 
horseshoe on the western side of the proposed viticultural area. A 
small flood plain lies along the proposed western portion of the 
boundary line near the Napa River and Milliken Creek, the petition 
explains.
    The petition states that the Milliken-Sarco-Tulocay watershed, 
named after the three main creeks in the region, lies within the 
proposed Coombsville viticultural area. The cup-and-saucer landform 
presents a drainage obstacle, making Sarco Creek detour to the north 
and Tulocay Creek flow to the south. Eventually, all drainage flows to 
the southwest and joins with the south-flowing Napa River, the petition 
explains.
    According to USGS maps, elevations within the proposed Coombsville 
viticultural area vary from about 10 feet along Milliken Creek and the 
Napa River shoreline to 1,877 feet at the peak of Mt. George, at the 
northeast corner of the proposed Coombsville viticultural area along 
the western ridge of the Vaca Range. The outer landforms vary from 
approximately 500 to 1,200 feet in elevation, some having steep 
terrain. The inner landforms exceed 400 feet in elevation in some 
areas, and the surrounding gentle slopes and rolling terrain to the 
north, west, and south, between the inner and outer landforms, varies 
from approximately 100 to 200 feet in elevation. The flood plain along 
the western boundary line varies in elevation from 10 to 20 feet along 
Milliken Creek and the Napa River, according to USGS maps.
    According to the petition, the combination of unique landforms and 
large elevation differences gives the proposed Coombsville viticultural 
area a fog-protected partial basin with high surrounding ridges. The 
aerial photograph submitted with the petition shows Coombsville as an 
isolated niche within the larger, more open terrain of the Napa Valley 
viticultural area. Also, the USGS maps indicate that the Vaca Range to 
the east provides a natural geographical boundary for the proposed 
viticultural area.
    According to the USGS maps and the petition, the regions 
surrounding the proposed Coombsville viticultural area have different 
geographies. To the northwest of the proposed viticultural area lies 
the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley viticultural area, which can be 
distinguished from the proposed Coombsville viticultural area by its 
low valley floor elevations and the dry creek alluvial fan. To the west 
lies the City of Napa. To the southwest lies the Los Carneros 
viticultural area, which can be distinguished from the proposed 
viticultural area by its low rolling hills, flatlands, and mountainous 
terrain. To the southeast lies the Solano County Green Valley 
viticultural area; it can be distinguished from the proposed 
Coombsville viticultural area by more rugged terrain. To the east lies 
the Wild Horse Valley viticultural area, which can be distinguished 
from the proposed viticultural area by its isolated valley and the 
surrounding steep, rugged terrain and high elevations. To the northeast 
are the Vaca Mountains, which can be distinguished from the proposed 
viticultural area by their rugged terrain.
Climate
    The petition states that the proposed viticultural area has 
climatically unique features, including precipitation and heat 
summation. The petition provides statistical information on the 
microclimates of the adjacent Los Carneros and Oak Knoll District of 
Napa Valley viticultural areas, which are both within the larger Napa 
Valley viticultural area (``The Micro-Climate of the Coombsville 
Viticultural Area,'' Erik Moldstad, Sept. 28, 2009). According to the 
petitioner, the isolated Wild Horse Valley and Solano County Green 
Valley

[[Page 30056]]

viticultural areas, to the immediate east of the proposed Coombsville 
viticultural area, lack available weather station data. In considering 
this petition, TTB obtained historic weather station data for 
surrounding north, east, south, and west regions within 15 miles or 
less of the proposed Coombsville viticultural area (Lake Berryessa, 
Fairfield, Napa State Hospital, and the City of Napa, respectively) 
from the Western Region Climate Center (WRCC) Web site, created in 
partnership with the National Climatic Data Center, Regional Climate 
Centers, and State Climate Offices.
    The table below presents average annual precipitation amounts and 
heat summation range totals for the Coombsville region, the Los 
Carneros and Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley viticultural areas, and 
the surrounding north, east, south, and west weather station areas. The 
table data is based primarily on petition documentation and also TTB's 
WRCC Web site data research.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      Oak Knoll
                                                                      Los Carneros   District of
     Climatic averages for Coombsville region and        Coombsville  viticultural   Napa Valley      Lake        Fairfield    Napa State   City of Napa
                   surrounding areas                       region         area      viticultural    Berryessa      (east)       Hospital        (west)
                                                                       (southwest)      area         (north)                     (south)
                                                                                     (northwest)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years.................................................    2006-2008     2006-2008     2006-2008     1957-1970     1950-2009     1893-2009     1903-1965
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Precipitation in inches--annual average...............         19.14         17.32         21.63         24.44         22.77         24.61         24.02
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years.................................................    1974-2007     1974-2007     1974-2007     1974-2007     1950-2009     1893-2009     1903-1965
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heat summation units--annual average..................         2,550         2,435         2,888         2,611         2,667         2,794         3,233
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The table shows that precipitation in the proposed Coombsville 
viticultural area averages 19.14 inches annually, and varies 
significantly from the surrounding viticultural microclimates. The 
Coombsville region is warmer and wetter than the Los Carneros 
viticultural area to the southwest and cooler and drier than the Oak 
Knoll District of Napa Valley viticultural area to the northwest, 
according to Michael Wolf, owner of Michael Wolf Vineyard Services. To 
the northwest, the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley viticultural area 
averages 2.5 inches more annual rainfall, or 113 percent of the 
Coombsville regional average. To the southwest, the Los Carneros 
viticultural area has about 2 inches less rainfall annually, or about 
90 percent of the Coombsville regional average. The data in the table 
indicates that the proposed Coombsville viticultural area averages 3.63 
to 5.47 inches less precipitation annually than the four surrounding 
areas for which weather station data was obtained by TTB.
    The growing season in the proposed Coombsville viticultural area is 
measured in the Winkler climate classification system (``General 
Viticulture,'' Albert J. Winkler, University of California Press, 1974, 
pages 61-64). In the Winkler system, heat accumulation per year defines 
climatic regions. As a measurement of heat accumulation during the 
growing season, 1 degree day accumulates for each degree Fahrenheit 
that a day's mean temperature is above 50 degrees, which is the minimum 
temperature required for grapevine growth. Climatic region I has less 
than 2,500 growing degree days (GDD) per year; region II, 2,501 to 
3,000; region III, 3,001 to 3,500; region IV, 3,501 to 4,000; and 
region V, 4,001 or more (ibid.).
    According to the table, the Coombsville region is a low Winkler 
region II (2,550 GDD units), which is cooler by 61 to 683 degree units 
than the four surrounding areas from which weather station data was 
obtained by TTB. The coolest of the four areas is Lake Berryessa to the 
north at 2,611 GDD units (region II), and the warmest is the City of 
Napa to the west at 3,233 GDD units (region III). Also, the adjacent 
Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley viticultural area is significantly 
warmer at 2,888 GDD units, a high Winkler region II. The adjacent Los 
Carneros viticultural area is Winkler region I at 2,435 GDD units.
    The petition states that significant viticultural factors for the 
Coombsville region growing season include the amount of solar radiation 
and daytime heating. The solar radiation and heating are affected by 
the dissipation rate of morning fog, followed by the number of hours of 
sunshine, and then the onset of afternoon cooling bay breezes from San 
Pablo Bay, the petition explains.
    The petition states that the effects of the presence and 
disappearance of fog from the Napa Valley region in the day alters the 
temperature rise in the grape-growing season. Temperature and sunlight 
have subtle effects on grape development that, over the growing season, 
profoundly affect grape ripening times and flavors. The pace of sugar 
accumulation and the pace of the lessening of acidity during grape 
ripening are two examples of how the fog affects grape development. The 
petition notes that grape growers in the cooler Los Carneros 
viticultural area, to the south and closer to the foggy bay, harvest 
grapes with similar sugar and acidity levels for the same varietal as 
in the Coombsville region, but do so later in the growing season. Also, 
to the north of the Coombsville region, in the warmer and less foggy 
Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley viticultural area, the same varietals 
with similar sugar and acid levels are harvested earlier than in the 
Coombsville and Los Carneros areas, according to the petition.
    The petition explains that the Coombsville region has more solar 
radiation and daytime heat than the Los Carneros viticultural area to 
the southwest and less than the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley 
viticultural area to the northwest. The morning fog generally 
dissipates about 1 to 2 hours earlier in the Coombsville region than in 
the Los Carneros viticultural area to the southwest, and an hour later 
than in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley viticultural area to the 
northwest. Also, in the afternoon, the bay breezes first cool the Los 
Carneros viticultural area, then spread slowly northward through the 
Coombsville region into the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley 
viticultural area, and eventually continue northward up the Napa 
Valley, the petition states.
    According to the petition, as the San Pablo Bay afternoon breezes 
reach northward to each micro-climate in the

[[Page 30057]]

Napa Valley region, the air temperature incrementally stops rising, or 
slightly decreases. Cool breezes create the differences in maximum 
growing temperatures for the south-to-north locations of the Los 
Carneros viticultural area, the Coombsville region, Oak Knoll District 
of Napa Valley viticultural area, and other Napa Valley viticultural 
areas, the petition explains.
Soils
    The petition explains that the soils of the proposed Coombsville 
viticultural area are generally well drained and of volcanic origin. 
Upland soils are weathered from their primary volcanic source, while 
lowland soils are alluvial in nature (``A Custom Soil Resource Report 
for Napa County, California--Coombsville Soils,'' Natural Resources 
Conservation Service, United States Department of Agriculture, http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov/, May 27, 2009). The petitioner provided 
the following table, which shows the percentages of the predominant 
soils in the proposed Coombsville viticultural area as compared to 
surrounding regions, based on information contained in this report.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Oak Knoll
                                                 District of     Los Carneros      Wild Horse    West Side  Napa
      Viticultural area          Coombsville     Napa Valley         (SW)          Valley (E)       River (W)
                                                    (NW)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Predominant soil series               Percent         Percent        Percent          Percent          Percent
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hambright-Rock outcrop.......            28.5             0.6              0.2             15.5              0
Coombs.......................            24.1             5.6              0                1.7              5.0
Sobrante.....................            15.5             1.1              0               16.0              0
Forward......................             7.4             0.7              7.9              0                0.4
Haire........................             4.5            23.0             43.0              0               10.8
Cole.........................             2.6            23.1             10.9              0               47.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Hambright-Rock outcrop complex makes up 28.5 percent of the 
Coombsville area, as shown on the above table and is found in lesser 
concentrations to the north, east, and south. The complex is found in 
the Vaca Range and makes up most of the cup-and-saucer landform soils 
(ibid.).
    Coombs gravelly and stony loams represent 24.1 percent of the soils 
in the Coombsville area, and are found in lesser concentrations to the 
north, east, and west, as shown on the above table. In addition, those 
soils are the main types appropriate for grape growing in the 
Coombsville region. They are alluvial, well drained soils at elevations 
of 50 to 500 feet. The Coombs soils are ``relatively unique to the 
area,'' and they were likely first identified in the Coombsville area, 
according to the petition. Coombs soils make up only 1.7 percent of the 
soils in Napa County, but they account for almost a quarter of the 
Coombsville region soils (ibid.).
    As shown on the table, Sobrante soils make up 15.5 percent of the 
Coombsville region, 16 percent to the east in Wild Horse Valley, and a 
much lesser concentration to the northwest. These soils are well 
drained and are at elevations of 120 feet and higher. In addition, some 
Sobrante soils are used for viticulture in the southeast corner of the 
proposed Coombsville viticultural area (ibid.).
    As shown on the table, soils found in lesser concentrations in the 
proposed Coombsville viticultural area include Haire and Cole, which 
have higher concentrations in three of the surrounding areas.

The Proposed Coombsville Viticultural Area Compared to the North Coast 
and Napa Valley Viticultural Areas

North Coast Viticultural Area
    The North Coast viticultural area was established by T.D. ATF-145, 
which was published in the Federal Register (48 FR 42973) on September 
21, 1983. It includes all or portions of Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino, 
Solano, Lake, and Marin Counties, California. TTB notes that the North 
Coast viticultural area contains all or portions of approximately 40 
established viticultural areas, in addition to the area covered by the 
proposed Coombsville viticultural area. In the conclusion of the 
``Geographical Features'' section of the preamble, T.D. ATF-145 states 
that ``[d]ue to the enormous size of the North Coast, variations exist 
in climatic features such as temperature, rainfall, and fog 
intrusion.''
    The proposed Coombsville viticultural area shares the basic 
viticultural feature of the North Coast viticultural area: the marine 
influence that moderates growing season temperatures in the area. 
However, the proposed viticultural area is much more uniform in its 
geography, geology, climate, and soils than the diverse multicounty 
North Coast viticultural area. In this regard, TTB notes that T.D. ATF-
145 specifically states that ``approval of this viticultural area does 
not preclude approval of additional areas, either wholly contained with 
the North Coast, or partially overlapping the North Coast,'' and that 
``smaller viticultural areas tend to be more uniform in their 
geographical and climatic characteristics, while very large areas such 
as the North Coast tend to exhibit generally similar characteristics, 
in this case the influence of maritime air off of the Pacific Ocean and 
San Pablo Bay.'' Thus, the proposal to establish the Coombsville 
viticultural area is not inconsistent with what was envisaged when the 
North Coast viticultural area was established.
Napa Valley Viticultural Area
    The Napa Valley viticultural area was established by T.D. ATF-79, 
which was published in the Federal Register (46 FR 9061) on January 28, 
1981, includes most of Napa County, California. TTB notes that the Napa 
Valley viticultural area encompasses 14 existing smaller viticultural 
areas, in addition to the area covered by the proposed Coombsville 
viticultural area. The Napa Valley viticultural area encompasses ``all 
the areas traditionally known as `Napa Valley' which possess generally 
similar viticulture characteristics different from those of the 
surrounding areas,'' according to T.D. ATF-79.
    The Coombsville petition states that a Mediterranean climate of 
warm, dry summers and cool, moist winters dominate the Napa Valley 
region. Air temperatures in the valley increase from south to north 
based on the dissipation of the marine fog and cooling winds from the 
San Pablo Bay to the south. Precipitation amounts are greater at the 
north end of the valley, at higher elevations, and in the Mayacmas 
Mountains on the west side of the valley. Sun exposure is greater on 
the east side of Napa Valley along the southwest face of the Vaca 
Range,

[[Page 30058]]

including the Coombsville region, as compared to the western valley 
foothills of the Mayacmas Mountains, according to the petition.
    According to T.D. ATF-79, the Napa Valley viticultural area 
contains varieties of both Coombs and Sobrante soils, which are 
prominent in the Coombsville region. It also includes other soil types, 
including Bale, Cole, Yolo, Reyes, and Clear Lake, T.D. ATF-79 states. 
The latter soil types are not prominent or are not present in the 
proposed Coombsville viticultural area, according to the petition. 
Thus, while the characteristics of the proposed Coombsville 
viticultural area are generally similar to those of the Napa Valley 
viticultural area, there are some distinguishing characteristics that 
may warrant its separate designation as a viticultural area.

TTB Determination

    TTB concludes that the petition to establish the 11,075-acre 
Coombsville American viticultural area merits consideration and public 
comment, as invited in this notice.

Boundary Description

    See the narrative boundary description of the petitioned-for 
viticultural area in the proposed regulatory text published at the end 
of this notice.

Maps

    The petitioner provided the required maps, and TTB lists them below 
in the proposed regulatory text.

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 TTB establishes this proposed viticultural area, 
its name, ``Coombsville,'' will be recognized as a name of viticultural 
significance under 27 CFR 4.39(i)(3). The text of the new regulation 
clarifies this point. Consequently, wine bottlers using ``Coombsville'' 
in a brand 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 viticultural area's name as an appellation of 
origin.
    For a wine to be labeled with a viticultural area name or with a 
brand name that includes a viticultural area name or other term 
identified as being viticulturally significant in part 9 of the TTB 
regulations, at least 85 percent of the wine must be derived from 
grapes 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 for labeling with the 
viticultural area name or other viticulturally significant term and 
that name or term 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 term of viticultural significance appears in another reference on 
the label in a misleading manner, the bottler would have to obtain 
approval of a new label.
    Different rules apply if a wine has a brand name containing a 
viticultural area name or other viticulturally significant term that 
was used as a brand name on a label approved before July 7, 1986. See 
27 CFR 4.39(i)(2) for details.

Public Participation

Comments Invited

    TTB invites comments from interested members of the public on 
whether the Bureau should establish the proposed viticultural area. TTB 
also is interested in receiving comments on the sufficiency and 
accuracy of the name, boundary, climate, soils, and other required 
information submitted in support of the petition. In addition, given 
the proposed Coombsville viticultural area's location within the 
existing Napa Valley and North Coast viticultural areas, TTB is also 
interested in comments on whether the evidence submitted in the 
petition regarding the distinguishing features of the proposed 
viticultural area sufficiently differentiates the proposed viticultural 
area from those existing viticultural areas. TTB is also interested in 
comments regarding whether the geographic features of the proposed 
viticultural area are so distinguishable from the surrounding Napa 
Valley and North Coast viticultural areas that the proposed Coombsville 
viticultural area should no longer be part of those viticultural areas. 
Please provide any available specific information in support of your 
comments.
    Because of the potential impact of the establishment of the 
proposed Coombsville viticultural area on wine labels that include the 
words ``Coombsville,'' as discussed above under ``Impact on Current 
Wine Labels,'' TTB is particularly interested in comments regarding 
whether there will be a conflict between the proposed area name and 
currently used brand names. As noted above, four bottling wineries that 
currently use the ``Coombsville'' name on one or more of their wine 
labels have provided written assurance to TTB that, should the 
Coombsville viticultural area be approved, these label holders will 
comply with the regulatory requirement that at least 85 percent of any 
wine with ``Coombsville'' on the label is derived from grapes grown 
within the Coombsville viticultural area.
    If a commenter believes that a conflict will arise, the comment 
should describe the nature of that conflict, including any anticipated 
negative economic impact that approval of the proposed viticultural 
area will have on an existing viticultural enterprise. TTB is also 
interested in receiving suggestions for ways to avoid conflicts, for 
example by adopting a modified or different name for the viticultural 
area.

Submitting Comments

    You may submit comments on this notice by using one of the 
following three methods:
     Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: You may send comments via the 
online comment form posted with this notice within Docket No. TTB-2011-
0006 on ``Regulations.gov,'' the Federal e-rulemaking portal, at http://www.regulations.gov. A direct link to that docket is available under 
Notice No. 119 on the TTB Web site at http://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine_rulemaking.shtml. Supplemental files may be attached to comments 
submitted via Regulations.gov. For complete instructions on how to use 
Regulations.gov, visit the site and click on ``User Guide'' under ``How 
to Use this Site.''
     U.S. Mail: You may send comments via postal mail to the 
Director, Regulations and Rulings Division, Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and 
Trade Bureau, P.O. Box 14412, Washington, DC 20044-4412.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: You may hand-carry your comments or 
have them hand-carried to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, 
1310 G Street, NW., Suite 200-E, Washington, DC 20005.
    Please submit your comments by the closing date shown above in this 
notice. Your comments must reference Notice No. 119 and include your 
name and mailing address. Your comments also must be made in English, 
be legible, and be written in language acceptable for public 
disclosure. TTB does not acknowledge receipt of comments, and TTB 
considers all comments as originals.
    If you are commenting on behalf of an association, business, or 
other entity, your comment must include the entity's name as well as 
your name and position title. If you comment via

[[Page 30059]]

Regulations.gov, please enter the entity's name in the ``Organization'' 
blank of the online comment form. If you comment via postal mail, 
please submit your entity's comment on letterhead.
    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 whether to hold a public hearing.

Confidentiality

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

Public Disclosure

    On the Federal e-rulemaking portal, Regulations.gov, TTB will post, 
and you may view, copies of this notice, selected supporting materials, 
and any electronic or mailed comments TTB receives about this proposal. 
A direct link to the Regulations.gov docket containing this notice and 
the posted comments received on it is available on the TTB Web site at 
http://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine_rulemaking.shtml under Notice No. 119. 
You may also reach the docket containing this notice and the posted 
comments received on it through the Regulations.gov search page at 
http://www.regulations.gov.
    All posted comments will display the commenter's name, organization 
(if any), city, and State, and, in the case of mailed comments, all 
address information, including email addresses. TTB may omit voluminous 
attachments or material that the Bureau considers unsuitable for 
posting.
    You also may view copies of this notice, all related petitions, 
maps and other supporting materials, and any electronic or mailed 
comments TTB receives about this proposal by appointment at the TTB 
Information Resource Center, 1310 G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20220. 
You may also obtain copies at 20 cents per 8.5- x 11-inch page. Contact 
TTB's information specialist at the above address or by telephone at 
202-453-2270 to schedule an appointment or to request copies of 
comments or other materials.

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    TTB certifies 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. Therefore, it requires no regulatory 
assessment.

Drafting Information

    The Regulations and Rulings Division drafted this notice.

List of Subjects in 27 CFR Part 9

    Wine.

Proposed Regulatory Amendment

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, TTB proposes to amend 
title 27, chapter I, part 9, Code of Federal Regulations, 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.

Subpart C--Approved American Viticultural Areas

    2. Subpart C is amended by adding Sec.  9.---- to read as follows:


Sec.  9  Coombsville.

    (a) Name. The name of the viticultural area described in this 
section is ``Coombsville''. For purposes of part 4 of this chapter, 
``Coombsville'' is a term of viticultural significance.
    (b) Approved maps. The two United States Geological Survey 1:24,000 
scale topographic maps used to determine the boundary of the 
Coombsville viticultural area are titled:
    (1) Mt. George Quadrangle, California, 1951, Photoinspected 1973; 
and
    (2) Napa Quadrangle, California-Napa Co., 1951, Photorevised 1980.
    (c) Boundary. The Coombsville viticultural area is located in Napa 
County, California. The boundary of the Coombsville viticultural area 
is as described below:
    (1) The beginning point is on the Mt. George map at the 1,877-foot 
peak of Mt. George, section 29, T6N/R3W. From the beginning point, 
proceed southeast in a straight line for 0.4 mile to the intersection 
of the 1,400-foot elevation line and an unnamed intermittent creek that 
feeds northeast into Leonia Lakes, section 29, T6N/R3W; then
    (2) Proceed east-southeast in a straight line for 0.45 mile to the 
intersection of the 1,380-foot elevation line and an unnamed, 
unimproved dirt road and then continue in the same straight line to the 
section 29 east boundary line, T6N/R3W; then
    (3) Proceed south-southeast in a straight line for 0.6 mile to the 
unnamed 1,804-foot elevation point in the northwest quadrant of section 
33, T6N/R3W; then
    (4) Proceed south-southwest in a straight line for 1 mile, passing 
over the marked 1,775-foot elevation point, to the intersection of the 
T6N and T5N common line and the 1,600-foot elevation line; then
    (5) Proceed south-southeast in a straight line for 1.1 miles to the 
1,480-foot elevation point along the section 9 north boundary line, 
T5N/R3W; then
    (6) Proceed south-southwest in a straight line for 1.3 miles to the 
1,351-foot elevation point, section 16, T5N/R3W; then
    (7) Proceed south-southwest in a straight line for 1.5 miles to the 
line's intersection with two unimproved dirt roads and the 1,360-foot 
elevation line in Kreuse Canyon at the headwaters of the intermittent 
Kreuse Creek, northeast of Sugarloaf, section 20, T5N/R3W; then
    (8) Proceed northwest in a straight line for 1.95 miles to the 90-
degree turn of Imola Avenue at the 136-foot elevation point, section 
13, T5N/R4W; then
    (9) Proceed west along Imola Avenue for 2.1 miles, crossing from 
the Mt. George map onto the Napa map, to Imola Avenue's intersection 
with the Napa River at the Maxwell Bridge, T5N/R4W; then
    (10) Proceed north (upstream) along the Napa River for 3.2 miles, 
crossing over the T6N/T5N common line, to the Napa River's intersection 
with Milliken Creek, T6N/R4W; then
    (11) Proceed north (upstream) along Milliken Creek for 0.75 mile to 
Milliken Creek's intersection with Monticello Road, T6N/R4W; then
    (12) Proceed northwest along Monticello Road for 2.4 miles, 
crossing from the Napa map onto the Mt. George map, to Monticello 
Road's intersection with the section 19 west boundary line, T6N/R3W; 
and then
    (13) Proceed east-southeast in a straight line for 1.4 miles to the 
beginning point.

    Signed: May 10, 2011.
John J. Manfreda,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2011-12822 Filed 5-23-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-31-P