Cline California Zinfandel

Wine information: 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 backbone of the Cline California Zinfandel blend (46%) is from the famous Zinfandel growing area of Lodi which brings an explosive berry / cherry character to this wine. Thirty miles away in Contra Costa County, Zinfandel is grown on low yielding, head-pruned vines in the unique sand soils of Oakley (43% of blend). This region is known for creating wines with intense dusty wild berry flavours and peppery tannins. The balance of the blend is from selected vineyards throughout Sonoma and other growing regions in California.

Tasting Notes: Cline California Zinfandel showcases a wide array of dark berry flavours - especially black cherry and strawberry. Firm, supple tannins are complemented by nice spice notes and a lasting vanilla finish, both derived from oak aging.

Food & drink match: With its smooth structure and rich, berry flavours, the California Zinfandel pairs best with bold-flavored foods such as penne putanesca, grilled steak or chili con carne.

Reviews: “The 2009 Zinfandel California is a straightforward, jammy, richly fruity effort that makes a mockery of many overpriced Zinfandels. It delivers plenty of briery, peppery, spicy fruit in a medium-bodied, luscious format meant to be consumed over the next 1-2 years.” 87 Points Wine Advocate # 196, 8/11

 
     

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