Cline Cellars, ‘Old Vine’ Lodi Zinfandel

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Cline Cellars

Ripe black cherry and strawberry fruits, with spice notes of star anise, clove and subtle tannins.

Producer Information

Cline Cellars is a family-owned vineyard and winery in Sonoma’s Carneros Valley. Established in 1982 by Fred Cline, a descendant of Italian US settlers, he originally founded the winery in Oakley, Contra Costa County, cultivating Rhône varieties and Zinfandel on vines dating back to 1906.

In the 1990s, the family moved their winemaking operation to a 350 acre ranch in Carneros Valley, adopting sustainable farming in 2000, and building the largest solar panelled winery in California. While others in California were focusing on Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, Fred Cline saw the potential of Rhône varieties and Zinfandel in his vineyards and continues to produce focussed, terroir-driven wines.

Wine Making

When selecting fruit for Lodi Zinfandel, Cline focus primarily on harmony, early drinkability and elegant structure. This vintage draws from 14 superb Zinfandel vineyards in the legendary area of Lodi where warm days and cool nights have ripened grapes to perfection for over 100 years.

A moderately warm fermentation in closed stainless steel tanks using specific wine yeast came next. Once desired tannin levels were achieved, the wine was racked two or even three times before aging in wood for eight month. They used 35% new French oak with a medium toast level, which contributes a delicate toasty vanilla character to the wine without masking the abundant fruit.

Tasting Note

Showing a wide array of ripe almost sweet berry fruit including black cherry and strawberry. The ripe palate shows more berry fruit, as well as dark spice notes such as chinese five spice, star annise and clove. The finish has gentle subtle tannins.

Food Matching

This wine will pair very well with grilled red meats, roast belly pork and any spicy stew or chowder.

Technical Details

Colour Red
Style Still
Country United States
Region California
Abv 14.5%
Grapes 100% Zinfandel
Wine Body Full
More Features Vegetarian, Vegan, Practicing Organic, Sustainable
Oak Ageing Medium
Closure Type Cork
Case Size 6
Unit Size 75 CL
Sulphites Low
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Price : £16.50