WINE REVIEW: Line 39 California Bargains

by Andrew Chalk

Simplicity is a way of life at Line 39, where premium wines are crafted with care, and each bottle fully embraces the joy of the uncomplicated. Straight-forward, high-quality wine starts with sourcing only the best grapes possible—plain and simple—best reflected in the 2019 Pinot Noir (SRP $11) and 2021 Sauvignon Blanc (SRP $11). Line 39’s first grapes came from Northern California’s winemaking sweet spot, the 39th parallel that runs through the heart of wine coun­try just North of Napa Val­ley. It’s all about ease and appreciating the little things, which is why every one of their vineyards foster slow and even ripen­ing of the grapes, pro­ducing wines with a per­fect bal­ance of rich, ripe fruit fla­vors and crisp acidity.

Winemaker Steven DeCos­ta leads his team of tal­ent­ed young wine­mak­ers who work with grapes from pre­mier appel­la­tions across Cal­i­for­nia. With great flavors comes great accountability, that’s why Line 39 is ful­ly trans­par­ent and com­mit­ted to sus­tain­able prac­tices that do good all around, from the vineyards, to the glass, to the team that makes it all happen.

The 2019 Pinot Noir opens with aromas of dark cherry, vanilla bean, and pomegranate followed by a palate of bright cherry, hints of earth, mushroom, and toasty oak. The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc opens with vibrant aromas of grapefruit and lemon with subtle grassy characters and a crisp clean finish, best paired with a little ease on a sunny day.

Sample