Harvest...it's over! Harvest 2001 concluded on October 16th with 3170 tons crushed at Cline Cellars. This year's harvest ended three weeks early than 2000 vintage. The harvest extended out until mid-October which was relatively early compared to the past three vintages due mainly to minimal rainfall in winter, a warm spring and record hot May and June. Harvest Chardonnay grapes at the Los Carneros Ranch in Sonoma. In the beginning of harvest, winemaker Matt Cline had some initial concerns about the complexity of the red wines because of the early picking. However, once the wines went through malolactic fermentation and some time in the barrel (which allowed the wine to settle and clear), he is ecstatic with the 2001 vintage. "There is color, complexity and the fruit flavors have substance" states, Matt. The fruit this year was consistently clear of molds and rot due to winter low rainfall but the yields were a mixed bag. Grapes from the Contra Costa County vineyards were below average especially the Zinfandel. While in Sonoma County they green harvested the vineyards to keep crop size at moderate levels and yields were slightly up. In addition, some of the new vineyards in Sonoma County (Syrah & Viognier) came into production increasing Cline Cellars production for the 2001 vintage. The Oakley Vin Blanc will be the first wine of the 2001 vintage to be released late spring 2002. Question of the Month? I see you produce a wine called Ancient Vines Carignane, I am not familiar with this grape what can you tell me about it? Carignane the second most planted red variety in the world chosen mostly due to its ability to produce high yields. However, in Cline Cellars case our Carignane vineyards produce only a minuscule of one to two tons per acre from our Contra Costa County vineyards that are 90 - to - 100 years old--hence the name Ancient Vines. The 1997 Ancient Vines Carignane is a dense wine with cherry, chocolate and earthy characters which can make a nice substitute for Zinfandel. Wine Question? E-mail epcline@sonic.net Harvesting Viognier at Cline Cellars Come visit CLINE CELLARS' beautiful winery, located in the Carneros District in Sonoma Valley.Tours everyday at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m..Call our Tasting Room for a reservation 800/546-2070 or 707/935-4310.Cline Cellars 24737 Hwy. 121, Sonoma, CA

Upcoming Event Home for the Holidays It's time for Holiday in Carneros November 17 & 18th. With the purchase of a $10 logo glass, you can enjoy all the participating Carneros wineries' special offerings. Cline Cellars a Holiday favorite stop with complimentary barbecue, mulled wine, cheese, barrel tasting and Dixieland music on the veranda. Visit Cline Cellars tasting room and say hello to our new Director of Hospitality Bob Kelso, who will have some great holiday specials you won't be able to pass up. Call the tasting room for more details 800/546-2070. Visit our Cline Cellars Calendar Page for upcoming winery events. Wine News The Wine Spectator selects the 1999 Los Carneros Syrah as a Spectator Selection with a 90 point rating. ¤ History does repeat itself...Cline Cellars is named as one of Wine & Spirits Magazine American Wineries of the Year - Mulit-Source - issue due out November 2001. Cline Cellars was first awarded this honor back in the Winter of 1999 by W&S Magazine. For Cline Cellars wine reviews visit our Current Accolades page. Visit Cline Cellars' Distributors Websites Bacchus Importers Ltd. - Maryland and Washington D.C. Martin Scott - New York City Distributor Southern Wines & Spirits - California Vinsouth - Atlanta, Florida, Texas WineAccess The Wine Treasury - United Kingdom Wordens Market and Deli in Missoula, MT Margot-Schmitt - Germany Distributor

Cline Times - January 2000|Cline Times - February 2000|Cline Times - March 2000|Cline Times - April 2000|Cline Times - May 2000|Cline Times - June 2000|Cline Times - July 2000|Cline Times - August 2000|Cline Times - September 2000|Cline Times - October 2000|Cline Times - November 2000|Cline Times - December 2000|Harvest 2000 Articles