Appellation Series
Our Appellation Series wines showcase the best that California terrior has to offer. From our expressive North Coast Viognier and Sauvignon Blanc to our bold yet elegant Zinfandel from Lodi, and our newest addition our Cline Cabernet Sauvignon, we work hard to bring you impressive wines with a sense of place.
These wines are not available on our website or the Cline Family Cellars tasting room. Check out our Where to Buy page to find Cline wines near you!
Cline North Coast Viognier
Viognier can be a tricky grape to grow. It buds early and
is susceptible to frost. The grape has a thick skin and
benefits from a long ripening period to develop full
flavors. Vines bask in the sun during the day, but
experience cool nighttime temperatures contributing to
the wine's full-body weight and nice acidity.
Viognier grows best in the sunny climes of North and Central Coast and Paso Robles where the temperatures are moderated by cool nights, which helps to preserve Viognier’s acidity. Cline Viognier shows juicy tropical fruit, fresh apricot and notes of mandarin orange and grapefruit. It’s luscious and full-bodied with a slight crisp acidity.
Cline North Coast Sauvignon Blanc
Grapes for our Sauvignon Blanc primarily come from two vineyards. The largest share is from a vineyard between the Russian River and Jimtown in the Alexander Valley. This area experiences warm days and cool nights which contribute to the grapes’ bright citrus notes. The soil ranges from gravel to deep loam. The second vineyard is planted near the town of Knightsen in Contra Costa County, just south of the Sacramento River Delta. The soils in these vineyards are clay loam and the vineyards benefit from warm days and cool nights.
This wine delivers the crisp and refreshing character that
Sauvignon Blanc is known for. A bright and fruity palate,
with fresh well-balanced acidity make this wine enjoyable
with light to medium fare or on its own.
Cline Sonoma County/Contra Costa County Cabernet Sauvignon
Three vineyards supply the fruit for this wine. The Sonoma grapes come from a well-drained hillside vineyard on Sonoma Mountain. Cool evenings and warm days allow this fruit to ripen to perfection and retain good natural acidity. The balance of the fruit comes from two flat-land vineyards of Contra Costa County. The soils in these vineyards are clay loam and the vineyards benefit from warm days and cool nights.
Our Cabernet Sauvignon is a unique blend of Sonoma
County and Contra Costa County fruit. On the nose you are
greeted with aromas of blackberry and toast. Rich flavors follow,
with blackberry currant and notes of olives, herbs and toasty
oak. Pair this wine with full-bodied foods such as a grilled steak
or portobello mushroom.
Cline Lodi Old Vine Zinfandel
There are seven distinct AVAs within Lodi and Cline Old Vine Zinfandel grapes are grown almost entirely in the Mokelumne River AVA. This area forms the cradle of the Lodi winegrowing region and is also home to the majority of old vines. Proud, earnest and independent growers having been making their living in this area and passing the farming tradition from generation-to-generation. Grapes are largely head-pruned, planted in sandy soil, develop slowly, and deliver low yields with distinctive character. Vineyards include the Fowler Ranch dating back to 1942, Hubert and Harney vineyards planted in 1962 and the Alpine vineyard planted in 1968.
Our Lodi Zinfandel is a challenging and rewarding wine to make.
Amazing old vine fruit, detailed selection criteria and master
blending show in the final wine. A wide array of jammy
strawberry and plum aromas followed by black cherry,
strawberry and vanilla flavors lead to a smooth and lengthy finish.