I thought is was kinda ironic that just a few hours after hearing this news, I spotted a wine bottle in one of my favorite shops, with a pink ribbon on the label. With that mornings conversation still fresh in the mind, I was not going to pass up buying that wine and researching the winery. Here's what I learned.
The winery is Cline Cellars.
One of the first wineries on the road to wine country, Cline Cellars is located 45 minutes north of San Francisco in Sonoma-Carneros. This historic property was once the site of a Miwok Village and the first camp of the Sonoma Mission. The tasting room is located in an 1850s farmhouse and the wine is the Cline Cellars Cashmere 2008.
Cline Cellars is a proud sponsor Breast Cancer’s Network of Strength’s "Ride to Empower."
Now most of my readers know I have another blog..My Pro Cycling Blog. I have for many years, even before Lance, followed pro cycling. I also like to bike a little on my Trek road bike. Not what I used to and nowhere near being a true cycling enthusiast. Because of that, Cline Cellars involvement with Ride to Empower has sparked my interest.
On October 24th nine Team Cline members and 70 others participated in Breast Cancer Network of Strength's Ride to Empower in Red Rock Canyon, Nevada. Cyclists rode 37, 64 or 100 miles.With the support of friends, family and colleagues, they raised more than $23,000. Cline Cellars is a national sponsor of the event and contributes $25,000 from the proceeds of 2008 Cashmere sales.
Winemaker Notes:
We initially created this blend as an auction lot for the Hospice du Rhone held in Paso Robles each year. Cashmere is a very flavorful, smooth wine offering big cherry, raspberry and chocolate notes with hints of cracked black pepper and plum.
I drank a glass last night at what was a ideal serving temperature for most reds. The wine reminded me some what of Beaujolais. There was a lot of cherry and strawberry with some hints of sugar plum. Since I like my Beaujolais a bit chilled I put the rest of the wine in the cooler and chilled it a little for tonight and that made a world of difference. The cherry aromas came out and with the chocolate notes added this was more aromatic.
In the mouth, Cashmere is light and velvety with lots of berry and plum. The finish was a little sweet and little short, but over all was a great value at $15.
Definitly not Beaujolais, but fruit forward with much higher alcohol. I did pair with some Brie and crackers, which was OK. I'd like to try with a pork tenderloin or even a thick hamburger, but just sipping was great.
Wine type: Red Wine
Varietal: Blend
Appellation: California
Acid: .67 g/100ml
PH: 4.06
Bottling Date: August 2009
Alcohol%: 15%
Other Reviews:
Travaglini, Gattinara 2001 (Italy)
Carpineto, Dogajolo 2006 (Italy)
Penfolds, Bin 2 Shiraz/Mourvedre 2006 (Australia)
Muga, Rioja Reserva 2003 (Spain)
Buttonwood Grove, Dry Riesling 2006 (NY)
La Corte, Salice Salentino 2006 (Italy)
Damiani, vino rosso NV (NY)
Vina Real, Rioja 2005 (Spain)
Damiani, Pinot Noir 2006 (NY)
Barons de Rothschild, Bordeaux Reserve Speciale 2006 (France)
Clos Du Bois, Calcaire 2006(California)
Heron Hill, Eclipse 2004 (NY)
Bonterra, Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (California) *organic
Babich, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (New Zealand)
Quinta, Da Cortezia Reserva 2004 (Portugal)
Heron Hill, Cabernet Franc Rose' 2006 (NY)
Damiani, Meritage 2007 (NY)
Bonterra, Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (California) *organic
Henry Estate, Oregon Pinot Noir 2006 (Oregon)
Lindemans, Bin 40 Merlot 2007 (Australia)
Mutuo Rioja Crianza 2004 (Spain) *organic
White Springs, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Anthony Road, semi-dry Riesling 2008 (NY)
Fox Run Vineyards, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Cantina Zaccagnini, Montepulciano d' Abruzzo Riserva 2005 (Italy)
King Family Vineyards, Michael Shaps Viognier 2006 (Virginia)
Ravines Wine Cellars, Cabernet Franc 2007 (NY)
Row House Cellars, White Table Wine NV (NY)
Candoni Chianti DOCG 2007 (Italy)
Glenora Wine Cellars, Gewurztraminer 2007 (NY)
Billsboro Winery, Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (NY)
Fox Run Vineyards Reserve Riesling 2008 (NY)
Banfi Chianti Classico Reserva 2005 (Italy)
Lamoreaux Landing, dry Riesling 2008 (NY)
Agent for Change (Martellotto Wines) Zinfandel 2006 (California)
Fulkerson Winery Dornfelder 2007 (NY)
Atwater Estate Vineyards Syrah 2007 (NY)
Bonterra Vineyards Zinfandel 2007 (California) *organic
Lakewood Vineyards Riesling 2007 (NY)
Atwater Estate Vineyards Cabernet-Merlot 2007 (NY)
