Distinct and luscious, this Mourvedre showcases captivating flavours of dark plum, cherry liqueurs, cola cube and old fashioned root beer, leading to complex notes of integrated oak and warming spice. The smooth, juicy finish reveals the wine's unique soul and character, built on a foundation of ripe cherry fruit. This scrumptious wine pairs beautifully with grilled lamb or pork, sautéed asparagus and curried deviled eggs. It's equally fab alongside rack of lamb, duck confit or steak tartare—a versatile companion for your most memorable meals.

About the Producer

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.

Vineyard and Winery

The Ancient Vines Mourvèdre draws from some of the oldest, most historic and shyest-bearing vineyards. These blocks produce fruit of stunning concentration as a result of sensitive farming practices, the singular Oakley terroir, and an unique cooling band of air that flows in from the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers. By naturally restricting yields to only 2 to 3 tonnes per acre, they achieve a sublime expression of the Mourvèdre fruit. These grapes hold characteristics of dark, dusty berry fruit that makes their Ancient Vines Mourvèdre so lustrous. Individual lots of grapes were harvested separately according to ripeness and balance of acidity. Grapes undergo total de-stemming and a very gentle crushing to ensure a large proportion of whole berries in the must. Fermentation occurred in stainless steel tanks with select cultured yeasts. It was then maintained at the ideal temperature to aid in the extraction of flavor and colour. The wine was pressed off its skins at dryness before being racked to dark toasted American Oak (approximately 30% new) where it was gently aged for 10 months and then stored in neutral cooperage.