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Harvest
Big Break Zinfandel going through the hopper at Cline Cellars on August 10, 2001. The harvest is underway for many wineries in Northern California. The early harvest is due in part to low rainfall
in winter, a warm spring and record hot May and June. July was unseasonably cool but not enough to delay the onset
of harvest, which began Friday, August 10, 2001 at Cline Cellars.
Harvest is the time when the picking of ripe grapes from the vineyard are transferred to the winery for wine
making. Sounds easy, well not necessarily, because timing is the key. The grapes are picked when they are mature;
the sugar and acid are in balance with one another. This can become a hectic period, with multiple vineyards ripening
concurrently or a small section of a single vineyard ripening resulting in several days of picking this particular
plot.
Winemaker Matt Cline and Cline Cellars crew waiting for the first grapes to be crushed for 2001. Stay tuned for Cline Cellars' continuous coverage of Harvest 2001! other News...
Hot Wines From the Wine Spectator on-line wine reviews... "Here are a pair of distinctive wines that offer exceptional quality and value, from a winery that appreciates the relationship between the two..." 90 points- 1999 Syrah Los Carneros & 1999 Mourvèdre Small Berry Vineyard "The latest releases include the intense Syrah Los Carneros 1999, with rich black cherry, game meat, mineral, leather and earth flavors. The Cline Mourvèdre Contra Costa County Small Berry Veneered 1999 is remarkably harmonious with its chewy tannins and focused notes of eucalyptus, bay leaf, spice and blueberry. Run don't walk, to secure these two striking wines." For Cline Cellars wine reviews visit our Current Accolades page.
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2001 Sonoma Valley Harvest Wine Auction
An Oasis of Irreverence Vintners and Growers BBQ Picnic The Main Event:
For information on all events call 707/935-0803 or visit Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance Visit our Cline Cellars Calendar Page for upcoming winery events.
Question of the Month? Why isn't the world marveled at the next vintage of plum wine from Sonoma or Orange wine from Brazil or Banana wine from Belize or Apple cider from France? Only grapes produce sugar that produce sufficient alcohol to make a balanced product without having to chaptalize with cane or beet sugar. All other fruit wines have the addition of sugar added before or during fermentation to generate alcohol and/or flavor. Obviously grapes have a multiple flavor profile that is appealing to most palates making it the fruit of choice for wine making. Wine Question? E-mail epcline@sonic.net
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 Visit Cline Cellars' Distributors Websites Bacchus Importers Ltd.
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in Full Swing At Cline Cellars
What determines the picking is based upon
the ripeness of the grape -- its sugar level, know as Brix. Depending on the grape variety the degree of brix varies,
our wine maker likes picking most whites at 22½° brix to 23°brix with reds starting at 24° brix.
The Big Break Zinfandel came right in at 24° brix, perfect for producing intense Zins.
