Wine News Hot days and cool August nights can only mean one thing for Northern California, harvest is upon us. Temperatures have reached into the 100's and hovered in the 90's for the past ten days. Cline Cellars' Contra Costa County vineyards started veraison about three weeks ago. During veraison, grapes change color from a pea-green color to golden yellow or purple. This is also the time when the grapes start to become sweet. With the warm weather expected to last for a while, winemaker Matt Cline predicts harvest to begin the third week in August, bringing in grapes first from Oakley, located in Contra Costa County. The hot spell in late June did cause some damage by disrupting some bloom. A majority of the damage was located on the west side of the vine where the afternoon sun was the hottest. Young vines and canopies that are still developing showed the most loss. Overall, Matt Cline is satisfied with the vines and they way the fruit looks. Stay tuned for Cline Cellars' continuous coverage of Harvest 2000, keeping you updated on the latest harvest events. Wine Events Rhone Rangers North Coast Regional Event Winemaker's Dinner September 26, 2000, 6:30 p.m. The Restaurant at the Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa A casual reception at 6:30 p.m.will precede a four-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Toni Roberston and Chef de Cuisine Carol Mascoli to match California Rhône-style wines. Participating Rhone Ranger wineries: Castle Vineyards, Cline Cellars, Fife Vineyards, Loxton Cellars and Wellington Vineyards. Cost is $90 per person plus tax and gratuity. Space is limited. For reservations call 800/862-4945 or visit the Sonoma Mission Inn's website. Zinfandel Festival 2001 Let's celebrate! ZAP 10TH Anniversary of the Zinfandel Festival January 25, 2001 Good Eats & Zinfandel Pairing at Rosenblum Cellars January 26, 2001 Blue Jeans to Black Tie "An Evening with the Winemakers" at Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason, San Francisco January 27, 2001 Zinfandel Tasting - ZAP 10TH Anniversary at Herbst and Festival Pavilions, Fort Mason, San Francisco Begin the Festival at Rosenblum Cellars where an infusion of flavors awaits you! Experience the diversity of Zinfandel with the Bay Area's best restaurants. On Friday night, mingle with the world's best Zinfandel producers, bid on fabulous winemaker dinners and on rare and special Zinfandel bottlings. And for the grand finale the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Zinfandel Tasting on Saturday. Over 250 wineries participating, pouring barrel samples of 1999 vintage. Public Ticket sales begin October 1, 2000 through the Fort Mason Box Office in San Francisco. To Join Zap or for more information visit ZAP's new website! ZAP, P.O. Box 1487, Rough & Ready, CA 95975 530/274-4900

Summertime Wines 1999 Cotes D' Oakley Vin Blanc California 1998 Los Carneros Roussanne 1998 Los Carneros Marsanne 1999 Los Carneros Viognier Enjoy one of Cline Cellars' splendid white wines.The 1999 Cotes D' Oakley Vin Blanc California a refreshing and affordable white wine produced from a multitude of grapes.Suggested retail $8.50. If you want a more sophisticated wine indulge in one of our Rhône-style white wines. The 1998 Los Carneros Roussanne's long rich mouthfeel is loaded with exotic citrus, melon and spicy notes. The Roussanne makes an ideal aperitif as well as a beautiful accompaniment to seafood dishes. The 1998 Los Carneros Marsanne, an intriguing Rhône varietal, flavors tend to be delicate and crisp with hints of melon. Lightly chilled, our 1998 Marsanne will beautifully accompany shellfish - especially raw oysters with lemon--and richer dishes such as rabbit in a white wine and butter sauce. Suggested retail for both wines $18. The 1999 Los Carneros Viognier a rich wine with exotic floral and tropical aromas that make the grape so unique. Suggested retail $20. Visit Cline Cellars Current Accolades page to read the latest reviews. Question of the Month? What is ML? ML stands for malo lactic.One of the two principal acids found in grapes (the other is tartaric). Levels of malic acid are significantly higher in cooler climates. The sharp apple-green malic acid is broken down in ripening, and converted into soft lactic acid during malolactic fermentation. Secondary fermentation whereby harsh malic acid is converted into mild lactic acid and carbon dioxide by lactic bacteria. This generally occurs after alcoholic fermentation and provides stability. It improves red wines, softening them and reducing their acidity, but is often prevented in whites to preserve a fresh taste. Top white wines, however, will frequently undergo malolactic fermentation in order to create a deeper, more complex buttery flavour. Source: Winetoday.com OZ Clarke Wine Question? E-mail epcline@sonic.net 1999CLINETIMES Cline Times - January Issue| Cline Times - February Issue| Cline Times - March Issue| Cline Times - April Issue| Cline Times - May Issue| Cline Times - June Issue| Cline Times - July Issue | Cline Times - August Issue | Cline Times - September Issue | Cline Times - October Issue|Cline Times - November Issue|Cline Times - December Issue

Come visit CLINE CELLARS' beautiful winery, located in the Carneros District in Sonoma Valley.Tours everyday at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m..Call our Tasting Room for a reservation 800/546-2070 or 707/935-4310.Cline Cellars 24737 Hwy. 121, Sonoma, CA