Cline Big Break Zinfandel 1997

The Big Break Vineyard, named for Big Break Road, which runs adjacent to the block, has traditionally produced one of our most powerful and individual lots of Zinfandel. An early ripener, Big Break Zinfandel is year in and year out among the first lots of grapes we pick; 1997 was no exception. The combination of extremely sandy, well-drained soils; dry-farming; century old, head-trained vines and the unique band of cooling air from the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers that favors Oakleys best vineyard sites create a synergy of elements that is ideal for ripening Zinfandel and expressing the full character of the fruit. In fact, this block is situated only a few hundred yards from the bank of the San Joaquin River.