The Clif Family — yes, the same people who make the cand…er… “nutrition” bars — started making wine in 2004 after moving to Napa Valley. Like their bars, they source from sustainably and organically-grown vineyards in northern California. Winemakers Sarah Gott and Bruce Regalia do an outstanding job with all the Clif wines, especially the whites.
The Climber is an aromatic white blend of 80% Sauvignon Blanc, 13% Pinot Gris and small percentages of Riesling, Pinot Meunier (a red grape) and Muscat. Medium-bodied, elegant and juicy, it has tangerine, smooth acidity, and a nutty creaminess reminiscent of buttered almonds likely imparted by the generous dose of Pinot Gris. Lively and fun yet an elegant, juicy wine at the same time. Crisp, lemon and pineapple finish that lasts and lasts.
Sweetness: 1 out of 10
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Price: $12-$14
Occasion: Tasted a sample sent from the winery.
Food pairing: Almond soup, sauteed white fish in creamy sauces, fresh goat cheeses
Availability: High end wine shops and big box retailers in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, DC, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Vermont, Connecticut, Virginia, South Carolina, Ohio, and New Jersey
