Vintage Clendenen Family Vineyards Grenache 2009

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.

Rancho La Cuna is the vineyard situated at Jim’s ranch and his home. It is a small vineyard (about 15 acres) with vines situated on steep hillsides. It produces wines that are dark and herbal with outstanding complexity. We are very lucky to have a small amount of library-release Grenache, now perfectly mature after 22 years of patience, sat in the cellar. Only a few barrels are made of this wine each year.

Even after 22 years, there is still a ton of fruit in this wine with flavours of strawberries, compote, damsons and figs and thanks to slow and careful ageing, now with a lot of secondary flavours of spicy harissa, earth and savoury notes. A stunning, beautifully balanced Grenache with still acidity that carries through to a superb long finish.