Our Rating
Contra Costa County
Zinfandel
Few California producers have done more to preserve Zinfandel’s old-vine heritage than Cline Family Cellars. Founded by Fred Cline in 1982, the winery built its reputation around rescuing neglected, century-old vineyards in Contra Costa County—many planted in the early 1900s on their own roots. The “Ancient Vines” series showcases that legacy: dry-farmed fruit, sustainable practices, and a flavor profile that honors the state’s Zinfandel lineage with richness and vitality.
Cline Family Cellars operates out of Sonoma but maintains deep ties to its Contra Costa sources, where the region’s sandy delta soils and cooling bay breezes yield distinctive, spice-inflected fruit. The winery runs on 100% solar power, practices regenerative agriculture, and remains family-owned. Their focus on old-vine preservation extends beyond Zinfandel to Carignan, Mourvèdre, and Syrah—an enduring testament to California’s early viticultural roots.
Fruit for the 2022 Ancient Vines Zinfandel is drawn from dry-farmed, century-old vineyards across Contra Costa County. These ancient vines, set in porous sand and gravel near the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta, produce small, intensely flavored berries. The blend includes 3% Carignan, adding structure and aromatic lift. Age and low yields contribute to the wine’s trademark concentration and supple tannin profile.
The wine was fermented in stainless steel and aged for 10 months in American oak (38% new) to integrate vanilla and spice without masking fruit purity. At 14.5% ABV, it remains powerful yet balanced, aided by natural acidity preserved through careful harvest timing. Total production reached approximately 18,000 cases, underscoring both scale and craftsmanship in equal measure.
Wine Enthusiast — 93 Points
“Rich and juicy, with aromas of blackberry, boysenberry, cinnamon, potpourri, dried herbs and vanilla cream on the nose. The flavors on the palate are ripe strawberry-raspberry jam, maple, clove and black peppercorn, with a mouthwatering finish.”
Source: Wine.com → | clinecellars.com →
Tasting Panel — 91 Points
“Wild strawberry and red raspberry fruit character, balanced by ample acidity and a soft texture.”
Source: Wine.com →
Wine Spectator — 90 Points
“Fruit-forward and jammy, with supple raspberry and blueberry flavors accented by licorice and pepper.”
Source: Wine.com →
The 2022 growing season in Contra Costa was dry and warm, favoring concentrated fruit development in the region’s ancient vines. Moderate yields and steady ripening produced wines of ample color and plush fruit, with softer acidity than 2021 but exceptional balance. Across critics and trade tastings, the 2022 Ancient Vines release earned higher-than-average scores, reflecting both consistency and refinement in Cline’s long-running Zinfandel program.
Appearance
Clear, with a deep ruby core and pronounced viscosity—an indicator of its ripe fruit weight.
Aromas
Intense notes of blackberry, raspberry jam, boysenberry, cinnamon, and vanilla cream, accented by potpourri, dried herbs, and clove. Secondary tones of coffee, maple, and chocolate emerge with aeration.
Palate
Full-bodied and mouth-coating, showing ripe strawberry-raspberry jam, blackberry compote, and black peppercorn. The texture is lush yet lively, framed by soft tannins and subtle oak sweetness.
Finish
Long and warming, marked by spice, berry richness, and a gentle persistence of vanilla and pepper.
The 2022 Cline Family Cellars Ancient Vines Zinfandel is a compelling reminder of why this bottling remains one of California’s most respected old-vine expressions. Rich in fruit, generous in texture, and laced with spice, it captures both the immediacy and history of Zinfandel in one glass. A benchmark for value and authenticity, it’s a wine that connects the past to the present with warmth and confidence.
USA
Contra Costa County
Zinfandel
14.5
Katie Hoggins
20–30 minutes
Now - 2027
Cline Cellars
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