Vintage Clendenen Family Vineyards Rancho La Cuna Pinot Noir 2005

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 Pinot Noir that is dark and meaty with outstanding complexity. The wine was aged in the best new French oak barrels for 24 months and bottled without filtration.

This is a very rare specific bottling of a portion of Rancho that has individual quality worthy of its own label. The wine reveals layers of dried cherry, plum, dried herbs, menthol, earthy and mushroom notes. The well-balanced acidity and soft tannins give the wine a lengthy finish. Now nearly 18 years old, the wine has aged brilliantly with a complex flavour profile and structure. This is a very rare treat indeed – 2005 American pinot is beyond rare, almost a collectors showpiece. If you are lucky enough to get a bottle or two, we are confident you’ll be able to look backwards at the history from the iconic Jim Clendenen.