Cline Cellars Zinfandel Ancient Vines 2005

Lumped into the larger Central Coast AVA until 1999 - and now included in the slightly smaller San Francisco Bay AVA - the century old vineyards that remain in Contra Costa County are shrinking daily. Pre-Prohibition, more than 6,000 acres were planted and the area was home to 27 wineries. Today some 1,500 acres are planted to Zinfandel, Mourvèdre, Carignane - “kerrigan” in local dialect - Alicante Bouchet, Chardonnay and Palomino, but not a single winery remains. Old vines of all types are common here and give dense, richly fruited wines. Most vines are gnarly, dry farmed and have taken read more...75 to 120 years of head-pruning. Light sandy soil facilitates drainage and allows for deep root penetration by vines. Crops are small, with an average of 1.5 tons per acre. This ruby red wine is not so much about Zinfandel as it is about terroir. With notes of farmlands, hay, and fresh rural air - like that of Central Marin after a rainstorm - as well as mineral and wet cement tones, it is only after some breathing that the full force of the fruit comes to life. Herbal notes of sage and tarragon play a supporting role as vivacious strawberry, rhubarb, and dried cranberry fruit notes take center stage. This is one great American wine, and is very fairly priced.    (hide)

Decant this wine for a good amount before enjoying. This wine was very hot at first but balanced out nicely when given enough time. Complex fruit flavors with a long lingering tongue tingling finish.

September 2007

Smooth, drinkable red. Fruity, goes well with grilled meats and sharp cheddar.

July 2008

Lumped into the larger Central Coast AVA until 1999 – and now included in the slightly smaller San Francisco Bay AVA – the century old vineyards that remain in Contra Costa County are shrinking daily. Pre-Prohibition, more than 6,000 acres were planted and the area was home to 27 wineries. Today some 1,500 acres are planted to Zinfandel, Mourvèdre, Carignane – “kerrigan” in local dialect – Alicante Bouchet, Chardonnay and Palomino, but not a single winery remains. Old vines of all types are common here and give dense, richly fruited wines. Most vines are gnarly, dry farmed and have read more...taken 75 to 120 years of head-pruning. Light sandy soil facilitates drainage and allows for deep root penetration by vines. Crops are small, with an average of 1.5 tons per acre. This ruby red wine is not so much about Zinfandel as it is about terroir. With notes of farmlands, hay, and fresh rural air – like that of Central Marin after a rainstorm – as well as mineral and wet cement tones, it is only after some breathing that the full force of the fruit comes to life. Herbal notes of sage and tarragon play a supporting role as vivacious strawberry, rhubarb, and dried cranberry fruit notes take center stage. This is one great American wine, and is very fairly priced.    (hide)

October 2008

Dark, jammy, hints of molasses. Might have been better if we'd decanted it.

February 2008

Bright ruby-red zinfandel with a lot of herbal aromas up front. A tiny bit of over-extraction, I suspect. Palate is blackberry, herbs, and mineral, with the fruit taking a bit of a back seat to the other elements. Not a small wine, at 14.5%. Tangy finish is reminiscent of a cabernet franc. Good if you don't like your zins to taste huge, but want them to be big in alcohol. Not as much spice as the Dry Creek Heritage Zin, and not entirely true to the varietal characteristics. Still, easier to pair with food than many jammy zins. Would go well with pasta with pesto, minestrone soup, and other Italian read more...dishes. PS. Significantly truer to variety on day 2. Perhaps a bit young to really drink? Try after 3/08.    (hide)

October 2007