2021 Cline Hat Strap Chardonnay ($25)

Cline Family Cellars, a certified sustainable family-owned and operated winery and vineyard holder based in the Carneros wine appellation of Sonoma County, California, has recently announced the introduction of Cline Family Cellars Sonoma AVA Series, a collection of four varietal wines sourced from the best growing regions in Sonoma County.

In 1991, Fred and Nancy Cline moved Cline Family Cellars from Oakley to a 350-acre horse ranch in Sonoma-Carneros. They began planting Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and other noble Rhône-style varietals that best suited the growing conditions of the area. Now, as the next generation assumes leadership positions within the winery, they are fulfilling their heartfelt commitment to promote Sonoma County with the introduction of this new tier of wines to showcase local Viticultural areas that produce the best expression of a signature varietal.

Hat Strap Chardonnay is sourced from the Cline family’s J. Poppe vineyard, the oldest Sonoma vineyard on the winery’s estate. “Afternoon winds are felt throughout the Carneros region and especially on the Eastern facing slopes of Wildcat Mountain where we farm our stellar Hat Strap Chardonnay,” said Fred Cline. “Winds come up from the San Pablo Bay directly pulling in cooler coastal air. The wind is so strong that I need to hang on to my hat when inspecting the vineyard,” remarked Fred. Hence, the name ‘Hat Strap’ for this wine.

This 2021 Cline Hat Strap Chardonnay is produced from 100% Chardonnay that is hand harvested. The grapes are immediately pressed and settled for 24 hours to remove some solid, while retaining enough to create a full textured wine. After inoculation, a cool fermentation begins in a mixture of stainless steel tanks and French oak barrels. It then undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation. It then spends extended time on lees with periodic stirring. The wine is aged for 10 months in 35% new French Oak barrels, 35% in neutral barrels and the balance in stainless steel tanks.

This Cline Chardonnay is medium-gold in color with aromas of baked apple and pear. On the palate it is creamy smooth with hints of apple, pear and citrus. It finishes really nice. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Cline Cellars via Donna White Communications