January 15, 2004
Cline Cellars
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and are now facing a stack of bills for our holiday
spending. That makes it a perfect time to look at a
winery that consistently offers great wines at value
prices. Founded in 1982, Cline Cellars is one of
my favorite American wineries because it makes a
wide range of very interesting wines and does so at
prices that are always reasonable.
and Sacramento, Cline’s headquarters were moved to Sonoma in 1991. Cline
maintains vineyards in Sonoma and Oakley plus Petaluma. The winery produces
wines from grapes that thrive in the cool Sonoma climate including Chardonnay and
Pinot Noir plus a wide range of grapes that are commonly found in France’s Rhone
Valley. It’s these wines that I especially appreciate.
Very few California producers are bottling wines from Carignane, Mourvèdre,
Viognier and Roussanne. Cline makes these and other unique wines that
showcase both the grape varietal and the region.
Cline’s Oakley Vin Blanc is a fun blend of nearly a dozen grape varietals with heavy
doses of Pinot Gris, Viognier and Marsanne. Smaller amounts of Chardonnay,
Roussanne, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Palomino and
Malvasia Bianca are added. You’ve probably never heard of some of these grapes
let alone tried them. Each grape is fermented separately prior to blending. The
result is a floral wine with a complex and rich flavor. Enjoy it on its own or with lighter
fare. At just $8 a bottle, you can enjoy it often.
Other Cline whites include Marsanne and Viognier which are available for $16. The
Vin Gris is a dry rosé bursting with strawberry and cherry flavors for $8.
both broad and deep. They offer
three different Syrahs, starting with
the California bottling at $9 and the
Sonoma bottling at $16. Both
show lots of dark fruit and pepper
spiciness. The Sonoma is more
complex and will age for up to five
years. Cline’s Los Carneros Syrah
is reminiscent of the Syrahs from
the Northern Rhone but at a lower
price. It has a wonderful
combination of fruit, earth and
smoke that pairs great with roast
meats. It can be found for $20 or
less per bottle.
vineyard-specific wines, Cline consistently
delivers quality and value.
over-the-top with alcohol. Three other vineyard-specific Zinfandels are available for
approximately $25 a bottle. The Live Oak Vineyard is a blockbuster with 15.5%
alcohol and flavors that are highly extracted and concentrated. You’ll want more than
one glass of this one, so don’t open it if you plan to drive.
Other reds to try are the Ancient Vines Carignane and Ancient Vines Mourvèdre.
These wines are spicy and somewhat rustic. They’re a great alternative to the
hundreds of boring Merlots and Cabernets that litter retail shelves. At less than $15
a bottle you can match them with pizza or pasta dishes.
tasting room is located inside an original
1850's farmhouse, and is wrapped by a large
and pleasant, old-fashioned porch for outdoor
seating. Six spring-fed ponds, with lush green
lawns, rustling willow trees, ever-changing
gardens and the glorious, fragrant blossoms
of over 5,000 rose bushes, surround the
grounds. Picnic grounds are available.
Fabulous wines, great value and a beautiful
winery. They add up to a winery that is clear
winner.
