Cline Family Cellars · 'Seven Ranchlands' Chardonnay · Sonoma County · 2024
The Cline family has farmed the Sonoma Coast for decades, and their 'Seven Ranchlands' Chardonnay draws from two of their most prized sites — Catapult Ranch and Tolay Vista — situated in the Petaluma Gap, the cool corridor where Pacific air funnels east through the Sonoma mountain range and slows ripening to...Show More >
Cline Family Cellars · 'Seven Ranchlands' Chardonnay · Sonoma County · 2024
The Cline family has farmed the Sonoma Coast for decades, and their 'Seven Ranchlands' Chardonnay draws from two of their most prized sites — Catapult Ranch and Tolay Vista — situated in the Petaluma Gap, the cool corridor where Pacific air funnels east through the Sonoma mountain range and slows ripening to a crawl. The result is a Chardonnay with the kind of natural acidity and layered flavor development that most California whites have to work hard to achieve. 2024 was a warm, consistent vintage with a late heat spike that allowed grapes to reach perfect ripeness without sacrificing freshness — and at $14.99 with JS:92 and WE:91, this is one of the best-value Chardonnays in Sonoma.
Handpicked before dawn, each parcel is vinified separately: destemmed, lightly crushed, and pressed to extract richness, then racked after 24 hours to retain solids. Half ferments in stainless steel (inoculated), half in barrel with native yeast. Both go through 100% malolactic fermentation and age 8 months in French oak before blending. On the nose: ripe stone fruit, toasted brioche, and a hint of vanilla. On the palate: creamy and full-bodied with bright acidity, flavors of peach, lemon curd, and toasted oak, finishing long and clean.
“Rich and creamy with excellent balance — a benchmark for Sonoma Chardonnay at this price.”
— James Suckling, 92 Points | Wine Enthusiast, 91 Points (Vintage 2024).
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Producer: Cline Family Cellars
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Vintage: 2024
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Appellation: Sonoma County, California
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Sub-Region: Petaluma Gap (Catapult Ranch & Tolay Vista)
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Varietal: Chardonnay
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Vinification: Hand harvested before dawn · 50% stainless steel / 50% barrel fermented · 100% malolactic fermentation · 8 months French oak
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Size: 750ml
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Tasting Notes: Peach, lemon curd, toasted brioche, vanilla, creamy palate, bright acidity
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Cellar Potential: Drink now through 2027
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Food Pairings: Roast chicken, lobster bisque, creamy pasta, soft-ripened cheese
JS:92 · WE:91 — Petaluma Gap precision at a price that makes it an easy yes.
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