Another Gem From a 'Rhone Ranger'

In 1982, Fred Cline founded Cline Cellars in Oakley, Calif. He subscribes to what the French call “terroir,” the fusion of climate, soil and of the personality of the region.

In 1991, Cline relocated to the Carneros region of Sonoma County. He became a “Rhone Ranger,” one of a small band of winemakers pioneering the planting of varietals that thrive in France’s Rhone Valley. Take, for example, the Viognier which originates from the Condrieu and Chateau-Grillet appellations of the northern Rhone. 

Currently, there are approximately 2,000 acres of this varietal planted in California. Viognier grapes are late-ripening and have to be picked at just the right moment, allowing fruitier, more concentrated flavors.

The majority of the grapes for this wine come from Carneros in the Napa Valley. The vineyards are located in the southern end of Sonoma and cooled by coastal breezes throughout the growing season.

Cline Cellars Viognier Sonoma Coast 2007 (PLCB code 17822; $11.99) was aged in neutral barrels to let the fruit characters shine through without complications. The fruit is rich and packed with flavors of peach and apricot nectar.

I’d recommend it to take along to a Chinese restaurant (check out Mitch Davis' latest review here), and I’ve even enjoyed it with a taco. I think a cheesesteak and fish and chips (Steak and Hoagie Factory) would also be complemented by this wine; just avoid the malt vinegar on your chips and hot peppers on your cheesesteak. Now, am I a bon vivant or what?

Cheers!