Cline Ancient Vines Mourvedre

Cline Ancient Vines Mourvedre is a 750ml, 100% Mourvedre wine from Contra Costa County, California, bottled at approximately 14.5% ABV. Sourced from bush vines over a century old, the 2023 vintage earned 93 points from Wine Enthusiast — continuing a track record of critical recognition that includes a Double Gold Medal at the 2012 San Francisco International Wine Competition.

Quick Facts: ABV: ~14.5%  |  Origin: Contra Costa County, California  |  100% Mourvedre  |  Winery: Cline Family Cellars

Production & Heritage

Cline Family Cellars is the largest holder of 100-plus-year-old-vine vineyards in California. The Ancient Vines Mourvedre draws from dry-farmed, head-trained bush vines in Contra Costa County's sandy soils — conditions that naturally restrict yields to just two to three tonnes per acre, concentrating flavor in every cluster. The grapes undergo tank fermentation before spending six months in American oak, a restrained approach that preserves varietal character while adding subtle structure.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Deep and savory, opening with bramble mulberry and huckleberry before revealing layers of dried violets, dark chocolate, clove, and dried chicory. A thread of mint and bay leaf adds herbal complexity underneath.

Taste: The entry is juicy and fruit-forward — ripe blackberry, concentrated cherry, and pomegranate flood the palate. At mid-palate, grilled tangerine, white pepper, and star anise introduce a spiced, savory dimension. Supple tannins give the wine generous weight without heaviness, while deep plum and luscious chocolate tones build toward the peak.

Finish: Medium-long, with wild berry fruit and toasted oak lingering alongside faint notes of dried florals. The tannins resolve smoothly, leaving a warm, savory impression.

How to Drink Ancient Vines Mourvedre

This wine shows best at cellar temperature, around 60–65°F, poured into a large-bowled glass that lets the aromatics open up. Thirty minutes of air — via decanter or simply an open pour — helps the savory layers emerge. In cocktails, Mourvedre's intensity lends itself well: try it in a Kalimotxo, where the dark berry fruit stands up to cola's sweetness; a Sangria, where the spice notes complement citrus and brandy; or a Red Wine Spritzer with sparkling water and a strip of orange peel, which lifts the wine's tangerine and floral aspects.

Best For

• Introducing Rhône-variety lovers to California's old-vine heritage
• Anchoring a barbecue spread with grilled lamb or smoked sausages
• Building a varietal tasting flight alongside Cline's Ancient Vines Zinfandel and Carignane
• Gifting a wine enthusiast something distinctive under the radar of mainstream Cabernet and Pinot Noir

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ancient Vines Mourvedre taste like? It leads with concentrated dark fruit — blackberry, plum, and cherry — then shifts into savory territory with white pepper, clove, star anise, and dark chocolate. Supple tannins and a hint of toasted oak round out the profile.

How does Ancient Vines Mourvedre compare to Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel? Both come from century-old vines in Contra Costa County, but the Mourvedre leans darker and more savory, emphasizing chocolate, dried herbs, and spice, while the Zinfandel typically shows brighter red-fruit and jammy characteristics. The Mourvedre also tends to carry more structured tannins.

Is Ancient Vines Mourvedre good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — the combination of concentrated old-vine fruit, moderate oak influence, and balanced tannins makes it a rewarding wine to drink neat, especially after a brief decant to let the savory aromatics develop.

Where is Ancient Vines Mourvedre made? It is produced by Cline Family Cellars from vineyards in Contra Costa County, east of San Francisco in California's Bay Area. The region's sandy, phylloxera-resistant soils have allowed these ungrafted bush vines to survive for well over a century.

What foods pair well with Ancient Vines Mourvedre? Grilled lamb chops work beautifully with the wine's herbal and peppery notes. Slow-smoked brisket matches its dark-fruit weight. Provençal beef daube echoes the Rhône-varietal heritage. Hard aged cheeses like Manchego complement the chocolate and dried-fruit tones. Mushroom risotto highlights the earthy, savory side of the palate.

What sizes does Ancient Vines Mourvedre come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format.

Is Ancient Vines Mourvedre worth the price? It positions as a strong value within the old-vine California wine category, delivering 93-point-rated quality from century-old vines at a price point well below most single-vineyard or reserve-tier Mourvedres. Few wines at this tier can claim fruit from vines over 100 years old.

Why Ancient Vines Mourvedre?

The defining edge here is source material that virtually no competitor can replicate: Cline holds more 100-year-old-vine acreage than any other California producer, and these ungrafted, dry-farmed bush vines yield a fraction of what younger plantings produce. That natural concentration translates directly into the glass — multiple Wine Enthusiast scores of 90 points and above across recent vintages confirm the consistency. At its price tier, few Mourvedres anywhere in the world deliver this depth of old-vine character with six months of American oak restraint rather than heavy barrel influence. For anyone seeking a serious Rhône-variety red that doesn't rely on winemaking tricks to impress, this bottling makes a compelling case vintage after vintage.