Clendenen Family Vineyards Petit Verdot

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.

This wine comes from a vineyard established and expanded by Jim at Bien Nacido Vineyards in 1994 and 2000. Though long thought of as a blending grape of less significance in Bordeaux, Petit Verdot is far and away the most successful of the Bordeaux family grown in the Santa Maria Valley. Jim used a slow and long fermentation in small open tanks. 50% go into new oak barrels wood and is aged for 3 years and bottled unfiltered.

It has a hugely expressive nose of violet & rose, and tons of juicy black and dark berry fruit. The palate has tons of juicy acidity and the finish is focused on cherry flavours, moderate tannins, and lovely length. 7 years old and still a baby!