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Contra Costa County, California – 100% Mourvèdre from historic dry-farmed old vines
This characterful and expressive red is a true celebration of one of California’s oldest and most historic vineyard sites. Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Mourvèdre is made entirely from Mourvèdre (also known as Mataro), the fruit comes from ancient, low-yielding bush vines in Oakley, Contra Costa County, many of which are over 100 years old. These gnarled, head-trained vines thrive in the region’s unique sandy soils and cooling river breezes, producing small, intensely flavoured bunches with remarkable concentration and depth.
Founded in 1982 by Fred Cline in his hometown of Oakley, Cline Cellars began by restoring neglected ancient vines and crafting wines from Zinfandel, Carignane, and Mourvèdre. In 1991, the winery moved to a 350-acre historic estate in the Carneros region of Sonoma County, where Fred pioneered the planting of Rhône varietals such as Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne. Yet the soul of this wine remains firmly rooted in those original Contra Costa vineyards – the epitome of authentic Oakley terroir.
The grapes are harvested in separate lots according to the balance of ripeness and acidity. They undergo gentle de-stemming and crushing to preserve a high proportion of whole berries. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel with selected yeasts at controlled temperatures for optimal colour and flavour extraction. The wine is then aged for around 10 months in dark-toasted American oak (approximately 30% new), followed by further maturation in neutral barrels. The result is a polished, harmonious wine with integrated oak and beautiful structure.
At Fareham Wine Cellar, we’re always excited to offer wines with genuine history and personality. The Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Mourvèdre delivers outstanding concentration and complexity for the price – a wonderful introduction to the Mourvèdre grape and a superb alternative to more expensive Rhône or Spanish reds. It’s bold enough for hearty meals yet elegant and approachable enough to enjoy on its own.
Deep ruby in colour, the nose offers inviting aromas of ripe dark plum, black cherry, chocolate, and subtle notes of cola, root beer, and warm spice. On the palate it is rich and luscious yet beautifully balanced, with layers of juicy plum and berry fruit, savoury hints of roasted meat, tobacco leaf, and cedar, framed by refined tannins and bright acidity that keeps the wine fresh and moreish. It combines the generous fruit of California with the soulful, meaty character typical of great Mourvèdre.
A versatile and food-friendly red, it pairs exceptionally well with grilled or roasted lamb, pork, duck confit, steak, mushroom dishes, or even curried deviled eggs and sautéed asparagus. It also shines with a well-aged cheeseboard.
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