The CRUSH is on !!A CLINE TIMES EXCLUSIVE Sonoma, CA--On August 5th, Matt Cline, our winemaker, Don Reha, assisting winemaker, and the rest of the "Cellar Rats" offered a toast of Bubbly to Bacchus and all the other wine Gods. The beginning!We are in full swing with our picking and crushing but have experienced a slow down due to an unexpected rain. "Not to worry" says Don. "It's perfect!, Ideal!." The hang time has been extended and we will have more mature grapes to work with. Also, the short growing period has been extended. Our Carneros winds keeps the grapes dry and cool, so this combination should lead to an exceptional year. Winemaker, Matt Cline, states "I am seeing an 20% to 30% increase in the crop this year and the fruit is wonderful. You have to remember most of our vineyards are 80+ years old. So, this increase in our crop is results in yields of 2 to 21/2 ton per acres versus the normal yields of 1 to 1 1/2." Other Cline Times NewsOur Special Events department is working around the clock to meet the demands of weddings, birthday parties, corporate dinners and our now every third Friday of the month, Winemakers Dinner. Tour our Special Events page for a visit of our property. |
Cline to Release Rousanne; Trading Pressure High on Commodities ExchangeMatt Cline has, once again, conjured some vinous magic in the secret laboratory of his Viognevan nectar factory. The 1996 vintage will mark the release of Cline Cellars' first Rousanne, hailing from the Clines' beautiful Carneros property.Rousanne, a grape varietal indigenous to France's northern Rhone Valley, is known for producing the massive orange essence and hazelnut flavors of the greatest Hermitage Blancs. In California, Rousanne has yet to be accorded the type of care and attention normally reserved for only the finest Chardonnays...until now, that is. Matt's luscious Rousanne is grown on a steep, rocky slope and in gravely loam soils on the flats in front of the winery. The howling Carneros winds and shallow soils on the ranch naturally restrict yields and concentrate sugars and flavor elements in the grapes. Matt says of the wine: "Rousanne Kicks A___!!! I'm only sorry I haven't made more of this rare and delicious wine." A mere 417 cases were produced in 1996; consequent speculation on the commodities exchange is already running high in Cline Cellars Rousanne futures. Cline Times was able to contact Ramiro Fuentes, renowned Viognevan commodities broker who said, "Last year I made millions on the '95 Cline Viognier...That was one hot issue. But I'm convinced the "96 Rousanne futures are going to pay off Big Time!!!" Fuentes is long 2500 Rousanne 30 day contracts, several other traders have moved on his advice to buy. Fred Cline, Mayor of Viognevo and spiritual leader of Cline Cellars, is astounded with the incredible market surge that his Rousanne has created. "Rousanne is hot. I think we will be seeing a consequent slump in the Oak Juice Market during the months to come." Oak juice 20 days on the Commodities Exchange closed Monday down 12 points. |
Wine |
Vintage | Suggested Retail | Winemaker's Comments | Food Pairing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cotes D' Oakley Vin Gris | 1996 | $9.50 | Strawberries and herbs de provence | Chinese and Thai food, cheeses and fruits. |
| Rousanne Los Carneros | 1996 | $20.00 | Honeysuckle, orange essence and hazelnut | Rich seafood dishes and oven roasted or grilled vegetables. |
| Viognier Los Carneros | 1996 | $18.00 | Floral and tropical nuances. Melon. | Seafood, especially lobster. |
| Cotes D' Oakley Vin Blanc | 1996 | $9.50 | Floral, fruity with nice acidity | Summer cuisine, pasta salads and vine ripe tomatoes with fresh mozzarella and your favorite olive oil. |
| Syrah Carneros | 1995 | $18.00 | Smoky, ripe black cherry and raspberry with hints of orange rind | Roasted game, grilled meats and vegetables |
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