Cline Ancient Vines Mourvedre

Wine information: Cline Ancient Vines Mourvedre is 100% Mourvedre made from very old vines in Contra Costa County. In 1982, on leaving university, Fred Cline returned to his hometown Oakley, Contra Costa County (equidistant between Sacramento and San Francisco) to found the company that would become Cline Cellars. There he started producing wines and restoring ancient vines. Today, Zinfandel, Carignane and Mourvèdre produced from these vines are some of the most unique and historic wines made in California - the coming together of the climate, the soil and the landscape are the epitome of Oakley terroir. In 1991, the winery relocated from Oakley to the Carneros region of Sonoma County on a historic 350-acre estate with new vineyards and facilities. While much of the cool Carneros region is planted to Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot, Fred Cline pioneered the planting of Rhône varietals including Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne. In 1997, Cline ventured further west into an even cooler growing area in eastern Petaluma and again planted more Rhône varietals. The fruit for the Ancient Vines Mourvedre comes from some of the oldest, most historic blocks of low-yielding vines that Cline own. The wine is gently aged fro 10 months in dark toasted American Oak (approximately 25% new).

Tasting Notes: Cline Ancient Vines Mourvèdre has an very smoky nose with notes of green pepper (capsicum). The palate has distinct chocolate characteristics and a luscious deep plum flavour. There are also toffee / caramel notes. Tannins are soft with a substantial mouth-feel.

Food & Wine match: Try this wine with grilled lamb, wild mushroom ragout, duck confit or peppercorn crusted beef tenderloin.

 
     

Enter your e-mail address and click the button to opt into the Fareham Wine Cellar mailing list: