Author: Dirk Chan
Cline Cellars is a family owned and operated winery located in the Carneros wine appellation of Sonoma County, California that specializes in Zinfandels and French Rhône-style wines. Owner Fred Cline was one of the first vintners to plant French Rhone varietals in California, and is one of the original Rhone Rangers.
Cline Cellars is best known for production of their “ancient vines” wines out of Contra Costa County and their 2017 Ancient Vines Zinfandel – $21.49 (regularly $26.99) is our Weekly Online Feature of the Week . Head winemaker Charlie Tsegeletos, who joined the operation in 2000, made this Zinfandel primarily from a wide selection of the oldest (more than 100 years old), most historic and shyest-bearing Zinfandel blocks in the Contra Costa County. These ancient, dry-farmed vineyards consistently produces fruit of stunning concentration. This red is also Vegan friendly.
Winemaker Notes: “Our 2017 Ancient Vines Zinfandel shows spicy, bright strawberry, coffee and chocolate characters. Ripe fruit and soft tannins make this a mouth-coating rich vintage. Aging on new and used oak has lent this wine a subtle vanilla quality that nicely complements the explosive fruit notes. Enjoy now or cellar for 5 to 7 years. Accompany this Zin with slow cooked BBQ pork, chicken mole or spinach mushroom casserole.”