Zinfandel 2000 Preview Cline Cellars producers of their take-no-prisoners Zinfandel's previewed them at the Zinfandel Advocate and Producers Zinfandel Festival Tasting. Before we jump into these wines let's look back at the 2000 harvest. The first harvest of the new millennium proved to be a year to remember, where weather was nothing short of challenging, from bud break in the spring through a late harvest in the fall. The celebration of harvest began August 23rd for Cline Cellars and concluded on November 3rd. The 2000 growing season could be described as on of the most schizophrenic on record. Harvest 2000 ended up being longer than expected. After experiencing record high temperatures in June, followed by below normal temperatures in late August back up to high temperatures in September and finally to cool and unexpected minor storms in October, kept our growers, vineyard managers and production team on their toes. Yields were average to slightly above average producing grapes of high quality with forward fruit and beautiful color. The harvesting for Cline Cellars 2000 Zinfandel's began August 26, 2000 in Contra Costa County and did not conclude until October 6th for our Fulton Road Zinfandel (Russian River). The 2000 Big Break Zinfandel produced from 100 year-old vineyards in Contra Costa County has beautiful color, solid tannins and big fruit. Big Break is packed with flavors of raspberries blackberries with an earth dusty berry character notorious of our Contra Costa Vineyards. The 2000 Live Oak Zinfandel produced from 100 year-old vineyards in Contra Costa County are similar in structure to the Big Break but has a significant coffee, earthy influence with hints of white pepper. Big Break and Live Oak yields were modest in 2000 producing less than three tons per acre. The 2000 Ancient Vines Zinfandel is from selected old vines (75 years or older) from some of the key Zinfandel appellations --Contra Costa, Lodi and Sonoma. This wine exhibits all the complexities of an old vine Zinfandel with purity of fruit, intense color and solid tannin structure. The 2000 California (Red Label) is one of Cline Cellars more challenging wines to produce. Each year they strive to maintain the quality and price people have come to expect from the "Cal Zin". Severe selection criteria and master blending show in the final product, which showcases a wide array of dark berry fruit including black cherry and raspberry. Winemaker Matt Cline believes the 2000 Zinfandel's will be a vintage for all to savor. Release dates for these great wines is Spring 2000 with the exception of the 2000 California available at your favorite market.

Upcoming Events FIFTH ANNUAL RHONE RANGERS Saturday, April 27, 2002 Trade: 12:00 - 2:00PM Public: 2:00 - 5:00PM 150 Rhone Ranger Wineries will be pouring barrel samples and new releases of American Rhone-style wines. LOCATION: Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco - Tickets for the public will go on sale after January 1, 2002. Visit the RhoneRangers Question of the Month? What is the Jacuzzi tub connection with Cline Cellars? Fred and Matt Cline's grandfather was Valeriano Jacuzzi of the pump and spa fame. The Cline's grew up in the Los Angeles area but spent summers at the family ranch in Oakley, California. It was here that the brothers were introduced to the love and passion of wine. The Jacuzzi Family Vineyard wine label is a tribute to Valeriano and only the best lots go into this reserve program. Wine Question? E-mail epcline@sonic.net Visit our Cline Cellars Calendar Page for upcoming winery events. 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 For Cline Cellars wine reviews visit our Current Accolades page. Visit Cline Cellars' Distributors Websites Bacchus Importers Ltd. - Maryland and Washington D.C. Martin Scott - New York City Distributor Southern Wines & Spirits - California Vinsouth - Atlanta, Florida, Texas WineAccess The Wine Treasury - United Kingdom Wordens Market and Deli in Missoula, MT Margot-Schmitt - Germany Distributor

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Cline Cellars 24737 Hwy 121, Sonoma, CA 95476 707/935-4310,epcline@sonic.net
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