Clendenen Family Vineyards Le Bon Climat 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.

Le Bon Climat is a vineyard Jim bought many years ago in the Santa Maria Valley just 5 miles from the famous Bien Nacido site where the winery is. It is situated on a very steep, windy and cool-climate site which gives incredible preserved aromatics in the wines that are made from there.

The 2018 vintage is an expressive one. The nutty aroma is shining through with notes of hazelnut and slightly roasted pecan. Give it a little swirl, the wine will showcase confit lemon, butterscotch and caramel. The focus and bright acidity on the palate are well-balanced with the browned butter and candied citrus on the palate. Another great vintage from the Le Bon Climat series, this wine is ready to drink but will also evolve with some ageing. Get a few now to enjoy and fill up your cellar!