Cline Cellars Big Break Vineyard Zinfandel

9.1

Poured into a decanter roughly an hour prior to service and presented double-blind. The 2016 “Big Break” presents a bright ruby with a deep but transparent core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears and no obvious signs of sediment. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of tart, ripe and dried red fruits: cherries, Craisins, red flowers, leather, dried earth and light baking spice. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose, though the fruit comes across a lot more ripe. The finish is medium+ and the alcohol is high. I called 2020 Cote du Rhône (Southern), Grenache heavy GSM blend. What a pleasant surprise! I used to drink the smack out of various Cline Zinfandel’s and Big Break was always amongst their better, if not a little more difficult to find. Drinking well now and will continue to do so through 2031, easy.

Dec 2nd, 2024

Jay Kline

9.1

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of a few hours. The 2000 “Big Break” pours a cloudy garnet color with an opaque core and some rim variation; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears. Certainly signs of sediment. On the nose, this was initially a little slow to wake up. After about 30min of air however, it was alive! Mostly desiccated with some ripe black, blue and red fruits with teriyaki, black pepper, leather, cocoa, and spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and decadent still. A lovely, mature Zinfandel that’s ready but needs a little patience to get its best as it’s certainly fading. Drink now with a 30min decant and through 2030.

Sep 29th, 2024