Cline Cashmere

Cline Cashmere is a 750ml Rhône-style California red blend at 14.5% ABV, built on Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Syrah from sustainably farmed vineyards. The 2022 vintage earned 91 points from both Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator, confirming this long-running cuvée as one of Sonoma's most consistent values in the Rhône-inspired category.

Quick Facts: ABV: 14.5%  |  Origin: Sonoma & Contra Costa Counties, California  |  Style: Rhône-Style Red Blend  |  Winery: Cline Family Cellars

Production & Heritage

Cline Family Cellars was founded in 1982 by Fred and Nancy Cline and is recognized as one of the pioneering estates of California's Rhône Rangers movement — the group of winemakers who championed Rhône varietals in the Golden State. The estate holds the largest collection of 100-plus-year-old-vine vineyards in California, a distinction that shapes the depth and concentration of its wines. Cashmere, now in its 23rd edition, originated as a single-barrel donation to Hospice du Rhône and evolved into the winery's flagship blend. The current vintage is composed of approximately 65% Mourvèdre, 18% Grenache, and 17% Syrah, sourced from two sustainably farmed vineyards across Sonoma and Contra Costa Counties and aged for six months in French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bramble raspberry and dark plum lead, followed by dried herbs and a subtle layer of toasted oak. A whisper of ripe cherry and cracked black pepper emerges as the wine opens in the glass.

Taste: The entry is juicy with black strawberry and blueberry, transitioning to a mid-palate of dried fennel, chocolate shavings, and orange cream. A savory undercurrent of rubbed sage and wild strawberry — highlighted by Wine Spectator — gives the blend its signature complexity.

Finish: Dry, mouthwatering, and moderate in length, with lingering notes of plum, cocoa, and a faint peppery spice. The French oak influence adds just enough structure without overwhelming the fruit.

How to Drink Cashmere

A slight chill to around 60–64°F brings the fruit forward and sharpens the herbal nuances; pouring it into a large-bowled glass allows the Mourvèdre character to fully develop. For cocktails and wine-based drinks, consider these options: a red wine sangria, where Cashmere's dark berry and spice profile holds up beautifully against citrus and brandy; a Kalimotxo, where the blend's juicy acidity pairs surprisingly well with cola over ice for a Spanish street classic; or a mulled wine in colder months, since the existing dried-herb and cinnamon notes intensify with warm spices.

Best For

• Weeknight dinners that call for a versatile, food-friendly red under 15% ABV
• Introducing Rhône-style blends to friends who typically drink Cabernet or Merlot
• Holiday gatherings where one bottle needs to pair with a range of dishes
• Building a case of reliable, critically acclaimed California reds without breaking the budget

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Cline Cashmere taste like? Cashmere delivers ripe black strawberry, blueberry, and dark plum layered with dried herbs, chocolate shavings, and cracked black pepper. The finish is dry and mouthwatering with subtle cocoa and spice.

How does Cashmere compare to Tablas Creek Côtes de Tablas Rouge? Both are California Rhône-style red blends rooted in Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Syrah, but Tablas Creek sources exclusively from its Paso Robles estate and typically commands a higher price point. Cashmere leans into riper, fruit-forward flavors with softer tannins, while Côtes de Tablas tends toward earthier, more mineral-driven profiles.

Is Cashmere good for sipping on its own? Absolutely — the ripe fruit, moderate tannins, and 14.5% ABV make it very approachable as a standalone pour, especially with a slight chill to sharpen the finish.

Where is Cline Cashmere made? Cashmere is produced by Cline Family Cellars, headquartered in Sonoma, California. The grapes are sourced from sustainably farmed vineyards in both Sonoma County and Contra Costa County.

What foods pair well with Cashmere? Grilled lamb chops, where the Mourvèdre's savory depth mirrors the char; herbed roast chicken, which complements the dried-herb aromatics; mushroom risotto, as the earthy notes echo the wine's sage and fennel tones; aged Gouda or Manchego, whose nutty richness balances the fruit; and slow-braised pork shoulder seasoned with cumin and smoked paprika.

What sizes does Cashmere come in? Cline Cashmere is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle.

Is Cashmere worth the price? Cashmere positions firmly as a value-tier wine that punches well above its weight, delivering 91-point quality at an entry-level price. Across multiple vintages, it has consistently earned scores of 87 to 92 from major publications, making it one of the strongest quality-to-price propositions among California Rhône-style reds.

Why Cashmere?

Few California Rhône blends carry 23 vintages of track record behind them, and fewer still can claim access to centenarian vines. Cline's role as a founding force in the Rhône Rangers movement means the winemaking team has decades of experience coaxing depth from Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Syrah grown in some of the state's oldest vineyards. Back-to-back 91-point scores from Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator on the 2022 vintage confirm that the quality arc remains strong. For anyone seeking a dark-fruited, herb-laced red that delivers critic-endorsed complexity without a premium-tier price tag, Cashmere remains a benchmark in its class.