Jim Clendenen the man and mind behind Au Bon Climat was all set for a career in law when a trip to Burgundy inspired him to change his plans forever. In 1982 he set up the winery Au Bon Climat (now referred to by many as simply ‘ABC’) which is today one of California’s most celebrated wineries. Sadly Jim Clendenen died at the age of 68 on 16 May 2021. As Jancis Robinson MW – who coined his ‘wild boy’ nickname – put it: “The wine world really is much the poorer without this brave pioneer.” Clendenen was a winemaker that was Burgundian in his sensibility (if the grapes aren’t grown in Burgundy then they don’t get into an ABC wine) yet resolutely Californian in style. Although we’re sure his vision and spirit will live on his final vintages are bottles of fine wine history.
Au Bon Climat Santa Maria Valley Pinot Gris/Pinot Blanc is 75% Pinot Gris and 25% Pinot Blanc from Bien Nacido (right next to the winery) and Sierra Madre (one of the oldest vineyards in Santa Maria Valley and one that benefitted considerably from investment during its Mondavi ownership). Fermented in barrels and returned to that same oak for six months of maturation it’s a fine choice as an aperitif or a perfect partner to roast poultry and creamy pasta. Revel in its lemon lime pear juice sea salt creamy oatmeal spices and delicious yeastiness and raise a glass to one of the all-time greats. Gone but not forgotten.
SKU No.: 3447317
Style No.: 880689
Region: California
Grapes: Pinot Gris,Pinot Blanc
Closure: Cork
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 13.5%
Volume: 750ml
Allergens: Sulphites
Jim Clendenen the man and mind behind Au Bon Climat was all set for a career in law when a trip to Burgundy inspired him to change his plans forever. In 1982 he set up the winery Au Bon Climat (now referred to by many as simply ‘ABC’) which is today one of California’s most celebrated wineries. Sadly Jim Clendenen died at the age of 68 on 16 May 2021. As Jancis Robinson MW – who coined his ‘wild boy’ nickname – put it: “The wine world really is much the poorer without this brave pioneer.” Clendenen was a winemaker that was Burgundian in his sensibility (if the grapes aren’t grown in Burgundy then they don’t get into an ABC wine) yet resolutely Californian in style. Although we’re sure his vision and spirit will live on his final vintages are bottles of fine wine history.
Au Bon Climat Santa Maria Valley Pinot Gris/Pinot Blanc is 75% Pinot Gris and 25% Pinot Blanc from Bien Nacido (right next to the winery) and Sierra Madre (one of the oldest vineyards in Santa Maria Valley and one that benefitted considerably from investment during its Mondavi ownership). Fermented in barrels and returned to that same oak for six months of maturation it’s a fine choice as an aperitif or a perfect partner to roast poultry and creamy pasta. Revel in its lemon lime pear juice sea salt creamy oatmeal spices and delicious yeastiness and raise a glass to one of the all-time greats. Gone but not forgotten.
SKU No.: 3447317
Style No.: 880689