Cline Cellars is a family-owned and operated winery in Sonoma, California founded by Fred Cline, one of the original Rhone Rangers, in 1982 in Oakley, California. Cline’s original vintages from Mourvedre, Zinfandel and Carignane vines dating as far back as the 1880’s.
In 1989, the Clines acquired a 350-acre horse farm in Carneros and moved the winery to Sonoma County. While the original vineyards were focused on Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne, Fred and his wife Nancy have continued to plant vineyards in Sonoma County with Pinot Noir, Merlot and Chardonnay.
Cline Cellars is grounded in sustainability through its natural and sustainable Green String farming methods.
Cline Cellars’ Sonoma Coast wines are produced from vineyards in the region known as the Petaluma Gap and are exposed to morning fog from the nearby Pacific, with a combination of shallow clay and deep loam blocks that make this area much sought-after for Pinot Noir and other finicky varietals.
2018 Cline Cellars Chardonnay Sonoma Coast
This Sonoma Chardonnay packs big flavors of ripe juice tropical fruit, pear and apple with oaky/vanilla notes on a long, rich finish.
Looks: Pale golden in the glass
Smell: Vanilla, peach, ripe red apple, caramel
Taste: Juicy papaya, ripe pear, caramel and vanilla on the finish with oaky notes
Texture and Finish: Medium-bodied, medium acidity and long finish
Pairings: Roast chicken, lobster/monkfish, chicken wings, buttery risotto
Style: White Wine
Grape Type(s): 98% Chardonnay, 2% Pinot Gris
Price: $20
2018 Cline Cellars Pinot Gris Sonoma Coast
Refreshing, thirst-quenching and approachable California Pinot Gris that’s both food-friendly and a perfect sipper on a warm afternoon. Great price for a lovely wine.
Looks: Palest yellow with hints of green in the glass
Smell: Pink grapefruit, tart apple
Taste: Bright flavors of apple, pear and Meyer lemons
Texture and Finish: Light-bodied, bright acidity and light, crisp finish
Pairings: Grilled fish, lighter salad, as an aperitif
Style: White Wine
Grape Type(s): 100% Pinot Gris
Price: $15
2018 Cline Cellars Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
This Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir has silky texture and the cherry cordial/raspberry flavors I enjoy/expect from this region.
Looks: Medium ruby red in the glass
Smell: Ripe raspberry/strawberry, chocolate notes
Taste: Chocolate-covered cherries, raspberry
Texture and Finish: Medium-bodied, nice level of acidity, smooth tannins and long finish
Pairings: Duck, roast chicken, grilled salmon, game
Style: Red Wine
Grape Type(s): 100% Pinot Gris
Price: $20
Cheers,
Veronique
These wines were provided to me for sampling and I am adding them to my repertoire as they’re truly enjoyable.
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