Cline Pinot Noir Fog Swept 2023

The 2023 Cline Fog Swept Pinot Noir comes from two estate vineyards planted in 1997 on the western edge of Sonoma County, where Petaluma meets the Pacific fog line. Catapult and Diamond Pile, the sites that anchor this bottling, sit in the cool Sonoma Coast AVA and experience morning fog so persistent that temperatures can swing 27 degrees between dawn and afternoon. That diurnal shift is what gives this wine its tension—ripe California fruit held in check by crisp acidity and a savory undertow that nods to Burgundy without pretending to be it. Fred Cline purchased these properties in 1995 specifically to grow Pinot Noir in a cooler climate than the family's other holdings, and the commitment shows. The vineyards are planted to Dijon 115 and heritage clones 5 and 31, which are blended to create a wine that balances brightness and depth. The 2023 vintage was long and even, preserving natural acidity while allowing extended hang time—ideal conditions for Pinot in a year when many California sites ran hot. Fermentation is followed by 10 months in French oak, 35% new, enough to add structure without masking the fruit. On the nose, expect black cherry, wild strawberry, black tea, and a bit of mushroom earthiness. The palate is fresh and juicy, with fine-grained tannins and a medium body that Wine Spectator described as showing dried blood orange, sandalwood, pink grapefruit zest, and rose hip, awarding it 91 points and a drinking window through 2028. There's also a thread of bittersweet chocolate and white pepper that adds complexity without weight. This is a versatile, food-friendly Pinot built for the table. Pair it with roast duck, mushroom risotto, grilled salmon, or herb-roasted chicken. It also works beautifully with charcuterie, aged gouda, or vegetarian dishes centered on beets, lentils, or roasted squash. Serve it lightly chilled, around 60 degrees, to keep the acidity and aromatics lively. A solid choice for anyone in Lincoln Park looking for California Pinot with restraint and a sense of place.