Winery	Cline Cellar
Region	Sonoma, California USA
Vintage	2004
Type	Red
Grape Varietals	Carignanes
Retail Price	$52
Rating	7/10

Another of my favourite wine region. California is the single most important wine region in the US, producing a staggering output that is twice the amount of the whole of Australia (5th largest wine producing country) combined. Of course, that does not mean that the quality of their wine is any inferior as a result of the massive production. In fact, California is famed for producing the greatest Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Chardonnay in the world.

Unfortunately, Californian wine is grossly understated when compared against the French Bordeaux wine which the majority are more willingly to pay even though they are better, if not equivalent to the French. Some of the famous cult wines that attracts collectors and investors are Harlan Estate, Screaming Eagle and Vineyard 29. These wines are limited in production and command a premium.

This week, I ventured into Sonoma county, part of California wine region that is traditionally more known for producing quality blending wines. Many of us probably have not tried Carignane (pronounced as karen-yawn) wine because Carignane is rarely used to produce single variety wine. This is probably due to the grape's notably fiery nature and dry characteristics which is more apt for blendings. Carignane is native to Spain, it was probably the Spanish colonist who introduced this plant into California. 

The Cline Ancient Vines 2004 is the single variety Cariganane grape wine which caught my attention. This wine is light to medium bodied and produces a clear and bright ruby hue under the light. Because of it's spicy and fiery characteristics which leaves a dry and slight burning sensation in your throat it may not appeal to the mass. However, a sweet floral and toasty aroma likened to the scent of char grilled chestnut or "Gao Lat" that we smell from afar at Pasar Malam more than compensate for it. An off bitter sweet taste initially, it develops gradually into rich fruit nuances with hints of berries and cinnamons. The finishing gives an interesting toasted bread taste that lingers on.

Overall, I find this wine very appealing. Those who prefer well-balanced sweetiness in the wine will definitely love it. Given more time to cellar, this wine should soften and become more approachable.

Tasting Notes: 

• Light to medium bodied. This wine has  spicy and fiery characteristics leaving a dry and slight burning sensation in your throat. It gives off a sweet floral and toasty aroma likened to the scent of char grilled chestnut or "Gao Lat". An off bitter sweet taste initially, it develops gradually into rich fruit nuances with hints of berries and cinnamons. The finishing gives an interesting toasted bread taste that lingers on.

Food Pairing:

• Sausages, nuts, pizza, chocolate or oily food like Bak Kwa (roast pork)

Drinkability:

• Ready to drink. Cellar a few more years to soften up the fieriness.

 Available At:

• Wine Networks