Wines Sonoma Valley Cline Family Cellars - Ancient Vines Mouvedre - 2021

Viniou Reviews

Cline Family Cellars' Ancient Vines Mourvèdre 2021 is a distinctive red wine crafted from old vines rooted in the heart of Sonoma Valley, California. Mourvèdre, a grape more commonly associated with southern France and Spain, thrives beautifully in this New World terroir. The 2021 vintage is characterized by a growing season that saw balanced ripening, allowing the grape’s naturally robust flavors of dark berries, plum, and hints of wild herbs to fully develop. The winemaking at Cline Family Cellars focuses on preserving the grape's pure character, with aging often in neutral oak to impart subtle spice notes while highlighting the rich fruit core and earthy undertones typical of Mourvèdre.

Sonoma Valley stands as one of California's premier AVAs, nestled between the Pacific-influenced coastal hills and the Mayacamas Mountains. The region benefits from a combination of warm days and cool nights, thanks to maritime breezes and morning fog. These conditions are ideal for the slow, even ripening of Mourvèdre, ensuring concentration and complexity in the finished wine. The valley's well-drained alluvial and volcanic soils contribute a signature minerality and depth. Sonoma has a winemaking heritage dating back to the early 19th century; today, it is renowned worldwide for expressing both classic and bolder varietal interpretations.

Ancient Vines Mourvèdre is a versatile partner at the table. Its robust body and savory notes pair beautifully with grilled or slow-cooked meats such as braised lamb shank, barbecue short ribs, or duck confit. For a local Sonoma twist, consider it alongside tri-tip steak with herbed potatoes or wild mushroom ragout. The wine’s subtle gamey nuances make it equally rewarding with rustic Provencal dishes like cassoulet or ratatouille.

To fully appreciate this wine’s complexity and texture, serve it slightly below room temperature, ideally between 16-18°C. Decanting for about 30 minutes before serving is recommended to let the layers of fruit, spice, and earthy elements unfold. This vintage can be enjoyed now for its vibrancy or cellared for several years to develop even greater nuance.