Au Bon Climat In The News

Jim Clendenen and Tommy Powers Video Discussion:

Tom explains the conception of gastrotommy, what the show will be about, and why he chose Au Bon Climat and Qupe for their first episodes.

Jim Clendenen and Bob Lindquist Discuss with Tommy the unique characteristics of their professional partnership. This segment gives keen insight to the advantages of sharing a production facility.

Behind the Scenes: Barrel Room Discussion at Au Bon Climat.  Jim discusses the importance of barrels, the role they play in his wines and the finest cooper in the world Francois Freres.

Behind the Scenes: When We Met....Jim and Tom discuss how and when they met in 1994  that restaurant had because of the esteemed Michael Kornick.

Finessed and Light: California Pinot Noirs With a Manifesto

"...But on a recent trip through these leading pinot noir areas I was thrilled to find a small but growing number of producers pulling in the opposite direction.

Instead of power, they strive for finesse. Instead of a rich, mouth-coating impression of sweetness, they seek a dry vitality meant to whet the appetite rather than squelch it. Instead of weight, they prize lightness and an almost transparent intensity."
click for the full article in pdf form
by Eric Asimov - New York Times, March 11, 2009

A New Breed in California Pinot Noir (Interactive)

"The dominant style of Pinot Noir is ripe and extravagant with high alcohol levels. Eric Asimov recently went in search of winemakers who are producing a new breed of Pinot Noir..."
click to view video
New York Times Interactive Feature - March 9, 2009

Best Wines $20 and Under

Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County
"This label had long been star winemaker Jim Clenedenen's entry-level Pinot Noir, and his 2005 is likely to be the best yet -- an elegant, medium-bodied, European-style wine...."
click for the full article in pdf form
Food & Wine Magazine - October 2007 Issue

When life dealt them grapes, they made wine

Imagine marrying a famous Central Coast winemaker, and when you meet your extended family, it includes not only your spouse's parents and siblings, but his winery partner.... click for the full article in pdf form
By Patrick Comiskey - Special to The Los Angeles Times

Bay Wolf Marks 30 Years of Cooking and Giving Back
Jim and Morgan joined owner, Michael Wolf, and others to celebrate. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE ARTICLE FROM THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE.

MSNBC "Today" Features Bricco Buon Natale Barbera
"...lush fruit and an almost unbelievable price..." CLICK HERE FOR MORE.

Wine and Spirits Magazine Recognizes ABC's Jim Clendenen as one of its "50 Most Winemakers". In its Fall 2004 issue, this noted wine periodical was kind enough to award this distinction to both of the lead winemakers at the Au Bon Climat/Qupe facility -- ABC's Jim Clendenen and Qupe's Bob Lindquist. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE ARTICLE AS A PDF.

Morgan Clendenen, owner and winemaker of ABC "sibling winery" Cold Heaven Cellars, has launched the Cold Heaven website, located at www.coldheavencellars.com. Viognier lovers should be sure to visit the site, shop online for Viognier that has been called "the best in California", and join the Cold Heaven Cellars Wine Club.

For more information, visit the site at www.coldheavencellars.com.

Au Bon Climat owner and winemaker Jim Clendenen has been named "Wine Grower of the Year" by Wein Gourmet, Germany's leading wine magazine. Jim attended the wine world's equivalent of the "Oscars” on February 28th, 2004 at Schloss Bensberg in Bergisch Gladbach (near Cologne) in Germany. Jim is proud to have been the only nominee selected from the New World wine regions (North & South America, Australia, and New Zealand), and prouder still to have received this recognition from one of Europe's leading wine publications.

The Wine Spectator's James Laube awarded Au Bon Climat 2001 Nuits-Blanches "Harmony" Chardonnay 91 points in his January 22, 2004 Weekly Update, noting that the Nuits-Blanches has a "plump, rich, creamy-textured style, with spicy vanilla, tangerine, nectarine and hints of pear. It holds a tight focus on the ripe fruit, offering complexity and concentration." Click here to download the complete report in .pdf format.

Stephen Tanzer awarded the Au Bon Climat 2001 Pinot Noir Knox Alexander 90 points in his January/February 2004 International Wine Cellar report, commenting that the Knox has "Delicate aromas of cherry, rose petal and shiso. Sappy, dense and generous in the mouth, with enticing flavors of raspberry and spices...Long, building finish features smooth tannins and lovely aromatic character.

The Wine Spectator awarded the 2001 Hildegard 92 points, with tasting notes stating that the Hildegard is "Opulent and creamy-textured, this Pinot Gris blend shows how much complexity and finesse this grape can deliver when picked ripe and handled with care. Showing off hints of nutmeg, anise, pear and apple, it’s rich and polished, with a seamless aftertaste."

Au Bon Climat's 2000 Hildegard, the "Chardonnay Alternative", was featured as Forbes' Wine of the Week on January 19th, 2004.

Robert Parker had some positive comments about the 2000 Hildegard when he awarded it 91 points (Wine Advocate, October 2003): "A brilliant effort, Jim Clendenen’s Hildegard is a proprietary blend of 55% Pinot Gris, 40% Pinot Blanc, and 5% Aligote. Citrus oils, honey, and mineral characteristics jump from the glass of this light straw/greenish-colored 2000. In the mouth, lemon butter, minerals, and loads of white fruits are added to the mix. With medium body as well as terrific balance, purity, and length, it will provide immense pleasure over the next 2-3 years."