Gust Chardonnay

Gust is the second-generation offshoot of Sonoma’s Cline Family Cellars. The brainchild of Megan Cline and Hilary Cline, the project was launched to tap the potential of California’s most exciting new wine appellation: the Petaluma Gap, recently recognized as superb for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah.

Owing to a mixture of foresight and luck, our father Fred planted vineyards here in the late 1990s, before the area gained grape growing renown. Cline has historically been associated with Zinfandel and Rhone varieties, but as we came of age, we gravitated toward cooler-climate wines, and wanted to lavish these sites with the attention they deserve, farming them at the highest level and making the most special wines possible.

Thus: Gust. The name is meant to convey the atmosphere of the Petaluma Gap, where, like clockwork, morning fog gives way to blustery winds. But we also like to think that the name represents the energy of the new generation. We’re applying a kind of different ambition to the privilege of our family experience, riding contemporary currents and sharing what we learn with our neighbors, many of whom are on a similar path. We’re actually a little obsessive-compulsive about it, but we’re also having a lot of fun – proceeding with gusto, you might say. In truth, Gust is a blast – and a breath of fresh air.

Tasting Notes: Texturally unique with its generous dollop of caramel cream on graham cracker yet enough acidity to lighten and brighten. Tangerine and apricot flavors come in rich and lengthy, broadening the reach of this fine white.

Pairing: Mushrooms