Sonoma’s Cline Cellars – Unpretentious, Impressive

Whenever a friend asks me for suggestions of wineries to visit in Sonoma County, I always recommend Cline Cellars (2437 Arnold Drive, Highway 121, Sonoma, California). My first trip to this crowd-pleasing winery was in the spring of 2012 when I discovered a location steeped in history and some of the most friendly and knowledgeable tasting room hosts in the County. Naturally, I discovered wonderful wines at exceptional prices, too. I can honestly admit that whenever I return to Cline Cellars (and hear from my friends who have done the same) someone in the group becomes a wine club member! Get ready, folks… this may be the winery you’ve been looking for thanks to its simplicity, authenticity, and down-home delicious wines!

Cline Cellars was founded by Nancy and Fred Cline in Oakley, California in 1982.  Sustainably farmed since 2000, organic cover crops, compost teas, crushed volcanic rock, oyster shells and naturally mined sulphur are used to keep the vineyards healthy. Sheep and goats graze among the vineyards to remove harmful weeds and solar panels that improve air quality provide 100% of the winery’s energy.

The family’s original Oakley ranch is home to some of California’s oldest grapevines that include Mourvedre, Carignane, and Zinfandel. In 1992, the Clines relocated the winery to the rolling hills of Carneros in Sonoma County; planted there are Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne. At their location in Petaluma, Syrah, Viognier, Pinot Gris, and Roussanne are cultivated.

Visit the Cline Cellars website here for fascinating, detailed information about the winery’s history, portfolio of wines, winemaking techniques, farming practices, photos, and upcoming events. But first, view the video below to explore its beauty and hear words from those who are responsible for so much deliciousness.

 

The selection of wines, reviewed below and sent as samples from Cline Cellars, are widely available throughout the United States. Trust me, once you have your first sip, you’ll plan your visit. Perhaps I’ll see you there!

Selections from the Cline Cellars Cashmere Series

Intended to be “indulgences you can afford”, each sip of wine from the Cashmere Series enveloped me in unpretentious luxury.

Rosé lovers, it’s time to pour Cashmere Rosé 2017 ($18), an aromatic, refreshing wine of Zinfandel and Primitivo, grapes cultivated on sandy soil vineyards of Contra Costa County. On the nose, I found notes of strawberries, raspberries, watermelon, cherries, and a garden or roses. Flavors of juicy red berries, pomegranate, and hint of cranberries were lifted with lipsmacking acidity in this medium bodied wine that offered a long, fruit-forward finish.

A lovely blend of Mourvedre, Syrah, and Grenache from vineyards in Contra Costa County, Cashmere Red Blend 2015 ($23) should be another “go-to” for your collection. Wafting from the glass and bursting on the palate were notes of juicy red berries, cherries, and cocoa. Bright acidity and well- integrated tannins provided a firm foundation to the elegance in the glass. Individual lots of grapes were harvested separately, after which total de-stemming and gentle crushing were undertaken. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel then racked to 28% new French oak with a dark toast level for six months.

Cashmere Black Magic 2015 ($25) is a deep and luscious blend of Petite Sirah, Mourvedre, Syrah, and Grenache that exudes… magic. Dark and enticing in the glass, I found a spicy, well-structured wine with aromatics of rich red fruit, exotic spice, and black pepper. On the palate, intense flavors of plums, chocolate, blueberries, and red berries were framed with powerful tannins and plenty of acidity. As in the Red Blend, grapes were from vineyards in Contra Costa County, harvested separately, then de-stemmed and crushed gently. Fermentation was in stainless steel tanks then aged in 30% new French oak with a dark toast level for six months

Cline Cellars Farmhouse Wines

The two blends in the collection, one white and one red, are more examples of Cline Cellars’ commitment to “sustainability, quality, and affordability”. The Farmhouse name is an homage to the school house at Green String Farm, the Cline Cellars’ organic farm in Petaluma. There, student interns “discover how to trust in nature and themselves by respecting the earth, improving the biology of the land, and growing healthy food”.

The Farmhouse White 2017 ($15) expressed lovely, fresh aromas of pears, stone fruit, oranges, lemons, and hint of salinity while my palate craved each element of tropical fruit notes, grapefruit, lime, white peaches, bright acidity, and a smooth, soft finish. Grapes for this wine (Palomino, Muscat Canelli, Viognier, Roussanne, Marsanne, and Riesling) were cultivated on the Cline’s first vineyard in Oakley, California. The region follows the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers; warm days are cooled by the winds from the water. This medium bodied blend was fermented in stainless steel tanks.

A flavorful wine perfect with your favorite burger is the Farmhouse Red 2017 ($15). Handpicked Zinfandel, Syrah, Carignane, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, and other varietals were blended then racked to 40% new French oak with a medium toast that complemented the fruit notes. On the nose I found elements of blackberries, black pepper, earth, wet moss, and spice. The full-bodied palate burst with tastes of rich red and black fruit, dark cherries, toast, and spice. Integrated tannins and balanced acidity helped offer a lush finish

Either before or after your taste at Cline Cellars, promise to visit the California Missions Museum that’s housed on the property then stroll along the winding paths to soak up the landscape. You may want to call for reservations, but the tasting room is open daily from 10am to 6pm and the friendly folk there welcome all who simply drop in. Prepare to be impressed.

Cheers! ~ Cindy