Clendenen Family Vineyards Bien Nacido Chardonnay

Jim Clendenen was famous for producing internationally acclaimed Pinot Noir & Chardonnay in California. Amongst the region’s top producers, the wines he started producing in 1982 set the standard for modern, terroir-driven Californian wine from Burgundian grapes. Wines under the Clendenden Family Vineyards label are not just another label – this was a project of passion for Jim. These are artisan, nuanced wines from small lots producing distinctive wines that have had the luxury to be in the barrel as long as they need it. Long-lived, food-friendly, with firm acidity and moderate alcohol, they are really special parts of Jim’s story that we are honoured to import and represent in the UK.

The Chardonnay grapes that go into this selection are the last to be picked from Bien Nacido vineyards (earlier picks are used in the Au Bon Climat wines). The wine is rich, creamy and voluptuous; flavours of generous apricot, honey, almond, citrus taught, lemon confit and a hint of star anise spice. A brilliant example of the sumptuous, lush Chardonnay that Bien Nacido was made famous for along with terrific brightness and energy.