Family visits are always fun. On this one occasion, we were having dinner hosted by my husband’s brother and prepared by his wife. She was making an entree she loves, salmon on a cedar plank. As she was taking a break, she popped the cork on a Cline Cellars Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast. It was a very nice wine to complement the visit, family, and the delicious salmon she had prepared.
Cline Cellars Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
From summers on his grandfather’s farm, Fred Cline gained a love of the land and all it can produce. As an adult, Fred took that love and embarked on a mission to bring Rhone-style wines to the American table. After buying an old, established vineyard, Fred and his bride, Nancy, went about restoring vines that were decades old, some as old as 100 years. They then began producing Mourvedre, Carignane, Marsanne, Roussane, and Viognier. He didn’t stop there; he also planted acres of Zinfandel grapes that would become their acclaimed Cline Cellars Zinfandel.
As their wine business grew, they moved their winery to a ranch with an 1853 farmhouse in the Carneros Valley at gateway to Sonoma County, a location that was once slated to be the final California Mission in 1820. They renovated the farmhouse and grounds to highlight its heritage, history, and beauty. Soon after, a tasting room was added in the old farmhouse, enhancing the charm of the property. Today, the Clines own many acres of vineyards throughout Sonoma County, Contra Costa County, and Tehama County California and are involved in many historic renovations around the world.
With the Cline’s passion for farming and history, it was a natural that they would begin using a natural method of farming. Going beyond the organic farming practices, their method, referred to as the “Green String Method” doesn’t use any toxic chemicals for pest and weed control. Instead, they work to enhance the soil with compost teas, crushed minerals, and ground-up oyster shells. Taking that a step further they introduce friendly insects to help control harmful ones. All this is in an effort to balance the ecology of their vineyards.
Their tasting room is only a part of the delight they offer anyone who visits. Between the indigenous birds display, the huge rose garden, and a California Mission Museum, there is much to enjoy along with the wine tasting.
This is what the winemaker has to say about their Cline Cellars Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast:
“This Pinot Noir has good body and deep color and it has the varietal signature of delicate spearmint flavors and aromas of lilac. There are subtle flavors of vanilla from oak aging, along with dark chocolate nuances. This is an excellent choice to pair with oregano-rubbed leg of lamb, braised pork shank, or blackened sea bass.”
Cline Cellars Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast can be found on their website, on wine.com, totalwine.com, or many wine markets and wine purveyors. Don’t be afraid to ask for it.
Is there anything better than a relaxed meal with family? As the sun was setting, and the lights grew dim, it was a very special time indeed. Add a great wine with a great entree and you have many new memories in the making.
.Time for a glass…
If you enjoyed reading about “Cline Cellars Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast,” check out Acacia Vineyards Pinot Noir, Sean Minor Pinot Noir, and Cartlidge & Brown Pinot Noir.
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