Who makes it
Fred Cline was among the original Rhône Rangers and helped introduce Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne to California wine drinkers. Cline Cellars, also called Cline Family Cellars, makes red wines named Old Vine Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Ancient Vines Mourvèdre.
Fred and Nancy Cline bought a 350 acre property in Los Carneros in 1989 to expand their small business. The purchase placed a Sonoma County property alongside the Oakley beginning. Four of their seven children now guide day to day operations.
Where it grows
Cline farms seven vineyards across Northern California, from Tehama County to the Petaluma Gap. At the Los Carneros estate, afternoon ocean breezes lengthen hang time, so grapes remain on the vine longer before harvest.
Shallow clay and loam soils at the Carneros estate encourage small, tight grape clusters. Those compact clusters produce intensely flavoured grapes.
How it is made
The cellar
Bridgehead Vineyard in Oakley contains historic Mourvèdre, Zinfandel and Carignane planted by Italian, Spanish and Portuguese immigrants in the late 1800s and early 1900s. All the vines there are dry farmed, with roots that reach nearly 40 feet below ground in search of water.
Cline's farming program uses sheep and goats to remove invasive weeds instead of herbicides. In 2018, the vineyards and winery became Certified California Sustainable and Sonoma County Sustainable. The winery composts organic material, including about 3,000 tons of grape pomace annually.
What they make
The red range has three clear positions. Old Vine Zinfandel draws fruit from Contra Costa County and Lodi. Cline Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced chiefly from Rolling Knolls and Diamond D, two Lake County vineyards. Ancient Vines Mourvèdre is the named Mourvèdre wine in the set.
Old Vine Zinfandel opens with fresh strawberry and spice. Oak ageing adds toasty vanilla, while ripe fruit envelops the tannin. Cline Cabernet Sauvignon brings blackberry, plum and mocha.