I find White wines from the Northern Rhone in France to be amongst the most aromatic and appealing blends for summer. Add in the level of complexity they often include for a fairly low entry point and you can often find yourself a winner on the cheap. In California there is a growing contingent of folks growing and making wines from these varietals. When they’re planted in the right spot and treated with care they can do just as well in the Golden State as they do in the Rhone. Today I’ll look at a Rhone style Blend from Sonoma’s well known and venerable producer Cline Cellars.
The Cline Cellars 2009 Marsanne Roussanne was produced using grapes sourced in the Sonoma Coast appellation. This wine is 74% Marsanne and 26% Roussanne. This wine was fermented and aged in stainless steel. It has a suggested retail price of $20.
Golden Delicious apple aromas lead the nose of this 2009 blend from Cline Cellars. Loads of white and yellow peach flavors pack a wallop throughout the palate. They’re joined by copious quantities of apricot and nectarine as well as plenty of spice in the form of white pepper and nutmeg. Clover Honey emerges on the finish along with minerals and hints of lime. This wine has solid acidity and is nicely balanced.
This 2009 selection from Cline Cellars is a great choice to either pair with lighter cuisine or simply sip on its own. For $20 (less if you shop wisely) this wine provides plenty of value and overall drinking pleasure. This is a solid value and a good wine to share with friends who might be stuck in a white wine rut.