Cline Cellars Cashmere - Carneros District of Sonoma
Cline Cellars is a family-owned winery located in the Carneros District of Sonoma, founded in 1982 by Fred and Nancy Cline. It all started in the 1960s when Fred would visit his grandparents’ farm in Oakley, Calif., and learn vine growing and winemaking from his grandfather, Valeriano Jacuzzi. Jacuzzi founded the Jacuzzi Spa Corporation.
The Cline estate, on the original Jacuzzi Family Ranch, produces some of the most remarkable varietals in the wine industry from some of the oldest and most sought-after vineyards in California. Cline Cellars produces and is known for their award-winning Rhone style wines such as, Syrah, Grenache, Marsanne, Roussane and Zinfandels. They also produce outstanding Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir – all from vineyards owned by the Clines.
The Cline Cellars practice sustainable farming, which is a natural method of farming. They also use a method called Green String, which goes beyond the organic and sustainable farming by not using toxic chemicals for pest and weed control. By introducing sheep into the vineyards they help remove harmful weeds. What the sheep don’t eat, they pull by hand. By working with Bob Cannard, the Green String method produces a soil that is strong, healthy and vibrant. That in turn produces the most flavorful, robust fruit, which shows in their wines.
Cline Cellars Cashmere is a Red Blend of 53 percent Mourvedre, 25 percent Syrah and 22 percent Grenache, which is aged in French oak for six months. Winemaker Charles Tsegeletos says “the Cashmere Red Blend is a very flavorful, smooth wine offering big cherry, raspberry and chocolate notes, with hints of cracked black pepper and plum.” He suggests pairing this wine with grilled salmon, pork roast or duck. With each case of Cashmere Red Blend sold, Fred and Nancy Cline give back by proudly supporting Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Over the years, they have contributed more than $270,000 to breast cancer foundations.
Cline Cashmere White Blend is a blend of 43 percent Chardonnay, 34 percent Pinot Gris, 19 percent Muscat Canelli and 4 percent Viognier. According to their winemaker “the Cashmere White is a well-blended wine that has bright flavors of peach and pear, floral aromas, and toasty vanilla notes from the oak-aged Chardonnay. Enjoy this medium-bodied, slightly-sweet wine with spicy dishes, seafood pasta, or on its own.” With each case of Cashmere White Blend, Fred and Nancy Cline give back and proudly support Alzheimer’s research.
Both of these wines retail for around $15. They can be found at local wine retailers such as Acme Fresh Markets, Buehler’s, West Point Markets, Heinen’s, 750ML, Regency, Mustard Seed, Papa Joe’s, Riverside Wine & Imports, Giant Eagle and other fine beverage retailers in the Greater Akron Area.
Cline Cellars
24737 Arnold Drive
Sonoma, Calif.
Wine Wisdom
Drink what you like and like what you drink.
/ Rick Rodger is a manager at Heidelberg Distributing Company.