Clendenen Family Vineyards Monduese

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 2018 vintage came in riper than other years resulting in fuller flavours that balance the racy acid and grippy tannin. With 4.5 years of oak aging, it develops flavours of clove, black olive alongside its classic black fruit and peppery note from Mondeuse. The wine is enjoyable with its fruity character now, but the wine will also age and evolve with the support of its grippy tannins and racy acidity!