Wine:30

Inclined To Drink Cline

This week, we thought we’d take a break from our usual format to introduce you to one of our favorite domestic wineries, Cline Cellars. Since 1982, Cline Cellars has consistently produced some of the most approachable and widely distributed Zinfandels as well as Rhone-style wines, most of which are sold at extremely modest prices. Additionally, Cline Cellars is a leader in setting standards for natural and sustainable farming practices, adhering to the Green String Institute guidelines which require farmers to conserve energy and water, use renewable resources, recycle and minimize the use of chemical products through use of natural predators and insects.

Cline Cellars was founded by Fred Cline in 1982 near Oakley, CA, (which is 40 miles east of San Francisco), on property that was purchased using inheritance money from his maternal grandfather, Valeriano Jacuzzi (one of the five Jacuzzi brothers who created the pump technology that ultimately led to the invention of the Jacuzzi Spa). While in Oakley, Fred worked to preserve and restore many acres of Ancient Vine plantings that are used today to produce some of Cline Cellars most acclaimed wines including Mourvèdre, Carignane and Zinfandel.

In 1991, Cline Cellars relocated to the Carneros region, which straddles the extreme southern areas of Napa and Sonoma Counties. In this new location, Fred Cline began pursuing his new goal, shunning the traditional California varietal plantings of cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir and chardonnay to focus on grapes traditionally found in the Rhone Valley region of France. From these new grounds, Cline Cellars now produces award winning Rhone-style wines, including Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne, among others.

2008 California Viognier

This varietal comes from the Northern Rhône Valley in France. Presumed to have arrived from Dalmatia and transported to the Rhone 1,700 years ago by Romans. There are only 2,000 acres of this variety in California at this time. Cline uses grapes for their Viognier from their home ranch in Carneros, as well as some that come from the Sonoma Coast vineyards where they are bathed in early morning fog and later warmed by the afternoon sun. The soil is rich with minerals and rarely needs irrigation.

Appearance:  A clear pale golden color

Aroma:  Full of stone fruit in the nose

Flavors:  Stone fruits, especially peach pit, come to the forefront then turns citrus and creamy

Finishing Notes:  Mouthwatering acidity gives it a crispness that holds all the fruit flavors to the end

Where To Try:  Mission Grille and Mr. Helsinki’s

Where To Buy:  Madison Avenue Wine Shop, Main Street Market and Fish Creek Market

2007 California Zinfandel

Zinfandel was introduced to California during the Gold Rush somewhere between 1852 and 1857, and became widely planted because it thrived so well in the state’s climate and soil. Today, Zinfandel is the third leading wine grape variety in California, with nearly 52,000 acres planted. Cline carefully selects their Zinfandel grapes with the focus of producing a harmonious and drinkable wine with elegant structure. They draw from an assortment of superb vineyards; including Lodi (for the backbone), Contra Costa County, as well as the Oakley property (for the dusty wild berry flavors and peppery tannins).

Appearance:  Garnet red

Aroma:  Bright cherry and berry nose

Flavors:  Cherry and berry tones on the mid-palate turn to plum and spice

Finishing Notes:  Very friendly and drinkable, invites a second glass with a hint of vanilla

Where To Try:  Liberty Square and Mission Grille

Where To Buy:  Madison Avenue Wine Shop, Pick n Save, Main Street Market, Fish Creek Market and Top Shelf

2007 Cashmere

Cline Cashmere is a blend of 39 percent Grenache, 38 percent Syrah and 23 percent Mourvèdre. Most of the Grenache is harvested from the Massoni Vineyard in Oakley where cluster thinning and leaf pulling is done to increase fruit concentration. The rest of the Grenache comes from the Oakley Big Break vineyard, which is planted in phylloxera-resistant sandy soil and also contribute the Mourvèdre to the blend. The Syrah is primarily from the Paso Robles area, where warm days and cool nights enhance the intensity of flavors. The result is a silky and distinct blend that flavorful and smooth.

Appearance:  Bright purple and clear

Aroma:  Soft nose with wild berry and plum hints

Flavors:  Flavors of raspberry and chocolate

Finishing Notes:  The finish adds a bit of black pepper

Where To Try:  Mission Grille

Where To Buy:  Madison Avenue Wine Shop, Main Street Market and Siobhan’s

2007 Ancient Vine Zinfandel

This wine has its roots in the Cline family’s 80 to 100-year-old vines in Oakley. From these historic holdings the wine has grown to include grapes sourced from California’s finest zinfandel regions including:  Contra Costa County, Mendocino, and Sonoma. All of these dry-farmed vineyards consistently produce stunningly concentrated fruit, making deep and complex wine.

Appearance:  Cloudy red with a brown hue

Aroma:  Spiced candied apple nose

Flavors:  Dusty black berry and white pepper flavors

Finishing Notes:  Fruit flavors carry through and become bright with a fair amount of acid on the finish

Where To Try:  Top Deck at Gordon Lodge, The White Gull Inn, Mr. Helsinki’s, Inn at Kristofer’s and Mission Grille

Where To Buy:  Madison Avenue Wine Shop, Main Street Market and Siobhan’s

Information about “Where to Try” and “Where to Buy” these selected wines was provided by the local wine purveyors and vendors. If you happen to also serve or sell these wines, email [email protected].

WINE:30 is written by Karl Bradley and Jody Wuollett. Karl is the general manager and self-proclaimed “sous” sommelier for the Mission Grille. Former restaurant executive and Door County native Jody is happily under-employed as a Mission Grille food server and a member of the local band Northbound. They are both long time residents and first time contributors to the Peninsula Pulse.